[False aneurysm of the posterior tibial artery complicating fracture of the tibia and fibula].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Although tibia and fibula fractures are common, associated injury of the posterior tibial artery is rare. We present an unusual case of pseudoaneurysm of posterior tibial artery complicating a closed tibial and fibular fracture.

MATERIAL

A 21-year-old man injured his left leg while playing football.

METHOD

The diagnosis was suspected by the presence of persisting painful swelling at the fracture site. Echography, and later angiography confirmed it.

RESULT

The patient was successfully treated with a saphenous vein interposition graft. The tibial fracture was stabilized with a Küntscher nail, and five months after surgery the fractures healed.

DISCUSSION

A review of the literature revealed only 11 civilian cases of pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery. The clinical signs, specific diagnosis and operative treatment are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Our case emphasizes that attention must be paid to the vascular complications of fractures, that may not become evident until some time after the initial injury.