Blunt trauma of the common femoral artery.

Blunt vascular trauma in children is relatively rare and usually occurs in combination with fractures. Direct blunt trauma of the common femoral artery can lead to complete obstruction of the artery. In children, this obstruction may cause difference in limb growth. The authors describe a case of traumatic intimal rupture of the common femoral artery in an 11-year-old child after a fall from a bicycle. There have been a few reports of blunt trauma to the common femoral artery in children. The patient described had immediate symptoms of ischemia. Prompt reconstruction of the common femoral artery resulted in full recovery. Principles of arterial reconstruction in children are generally the same as in adults. The use of artificial grafts is to be avoided. Follow-up term is unclear as well as the use of anticoagulation therapy.