Arterial trauma involving the lower limb.

Experience with 105 lower limb arterial injuries in 103 patients in a general hospital is described. The pathology is discussed: it is noted that spasm per se could not be incriminated as a cause of ischemia. Management of the injuries and associated fractures is outlined. A plea is made for use of external fixation in compound injuries. An aggressive approach to the degloved limb, open three-compartment fasiotomy for severe vascular injury with signs of ischemia, and delayed primary closure for wounds with septic complications are recommended. Associated soft-tissue injury requires arterial reconstruction even in the presence of muscle rigor and anesthesia.