J Guiral1, P Vázquez, M Ortega. 1. Département de chirurgie orthopédique, Hôpital Général de Ségovie, Ségovie, Espagne.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Although tibia and fibula fractures are common, associated injury of the posterior tibial artery is rare. We present an unusual case of pseudoaneurysm of posterior tibial artery complicating a closed tibial and fibular fracture. MATERIAL: A 21-year-old man injured his left leg while playing football. METHOD: The diagnosis was suspected by the presence of persisting painful swelling at the fracture site. Echography, and later angiography confirmed it. RESULT: The patient was successfully treated with a saphenous vein interposition graft. The tibial fracture was stabilized with a Küntscher nail, and five months after surgery the fractures healed. DISCUSSION: A review of the literature revealed only 11 civilian cases of pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery. The clinical signs, specific diagnosis and operative treatment are discussed. CONCLUSION: Our case emphasizes that attention must be paid to the vascular complications of fractures, that may not become evident until some time after the initial injury.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Although tibia and fibula fractures are common, associated injury of the posterior tibial artery is rare. We present an unusual case of pseudoaneurysm of posterior tibial artery complicating a closed tibial and fibular fracture. MATERIAL: A 21-year-old man injured his left leg while playing football. METHOD: The diagnosis was suspected by the presence of persisting painful swelling at the fracture site. Echography, and later angiography confirmed it. RESULT: The patient was successfully treated with a saphenous vein interposition graft. The tibial fracture was stabilized with a Küntscher nail, and five months after surgery the fractures healed. DISCUSSION: A review of the literature revealed only 11 civilian cases of pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery. The clinical signs, specific diagnosis and operative treatment are discussed. CONCLUSION: Our case emphasizes that attention must be paid to the vascular complications of fractures, that may not become evident until some time after the initial injury.