Surgical treatment of popliteal artery injuries.

Twenty-seven patients with injury to the popliteal artery and associated structures were operated on during the past 15 years. There was no operative or hospital deaths. The limb salvage rate was 56%; the amputation rate was 44%. Those patients with penetrating injuries were found to have a much better salvage rate (85%) than those with blunt trauma (29%). Preoperative arteriography and immediate repair of the popliteal artery by either end-to-end anastomosis or a vein graft is advocated for these patients. Popliteal vein injuries should be repaired when possible by lateral suture or end-to-end anastomosis. Fasciotomy is advocated on a selected basis.