Recanalization of an occluded popliteal artery following posterior knee dislocation

Ann Vasc Surg. 1999 Nov;13(6):622-4. doi: 10.1007/s100169900310.

Abstract

Posterior knee dislocation results in popliteal artery injury in up to one-third of cases. Prompt recognition and treatment of arterial injury is essential for limb salvage. We report a case of complete occlusion of the popliteal artery following posterior knee dislocation treated with saphenous vein bypass without exclusion of the injured arterial segment. Follow-up duplex scanning demonstrated a patent vein graft and a patent ipsilateral popliteal artery. This report suggests that, in some instances, a traumatically occluded popliteal artery may recanalize, and that revascularization with a bypass graft may be the preferred method of repair, particularly in young patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / complications*
  • Knee Injuries / complications*
  • Male
  • Popliteal Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Popliteal Artery / injuries*
  • Popliteal Artery / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation*
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / surgery*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex