Graft avulsion: an unreported complication of axillofemoral bypass grafts.

A case of avulsion of a unilateral axillofemoral Dacron bypass graft 3 weeks after insertion is reported. Surface measurements on healthy volunteers suggest that when the thoracolumbar spine is in full lateral flexion the length of the graft may increase by up to 21 per cent. Such movements should be restricted during the early postoperative period.