Popliteal Artery Injuries

Popliteal artery injuries are an important cause of amputation and morbidity. Existence of concomittant bone or other different pathologies and prolonged time of transport to the hospital leads to increased mortality. On the other hand, early surgical intervention, prevention of hypovolemic shock, systemic anticoagulation and fasciotomy in proper cases decrease morbidity and mortality. In both artery and vein injuries, vein ligation must be a non desirable choice, and when it is inevitable fasciotomy must be performed to prevent development of compartment syndrome.