Popliteal aneurysms.

A review of 64 popliteal aneurysms in 43 patients treated over a 14-year period revealed that thrombotic occlusion with ischemia and threatened limb loss was the most frequent complication (68%). Ten major amputations (23%) were necessary, four of which were the primary operations soon after admission. No limb loss occurred after operation in 11 patients with asymptomatic aneurysms. Direct revascularization was successful in 29 limbs (83%). Popliteal aneurysms should be resected, preferably in the asymptomatic stage, unless medical contraindications exist. Once thrombosis occurs, limb loss becomes a threatening likelihood.