Abstract:Objective: To reduce the amputation rate by analysis of risk factors of amputation in patients with popliteal artery injury. Methods: The data of patients with popliteal artery injury were collected and analyzed from January 2005 to January 2014. The detailed information should included basic information, injury mechanism, hemodynamic characteristics, physical activity, associated injuries, surgical methods and the amputation rate. Results: Two hundred and twelve patients with popliteal artery injuries were identified. Penetrating and blunt trauma accounted for 20 and 192 injuries, respectively. Associated injuries included fractures in 132 patients, kneed islocations in 22 and popliteal vein injuries in 118. Forty patients presented with a compartment syndrome. Arterial injuries were treated with reversed vein grafting in 110 patients, primary anastomosis in 80 cases, and primary amputationin 10 cases, who had extent of soft tissue damage. Forty patients underwent delayed amputation, giving an overall amputation rate of 23.6%. Three of 40 delayed amputations were performed due to uncontrolled infection complicated by haemorrhage or thrombosis. The presence of a compartment syndrome (OR=15.518, p<0.001) and associated with fractures (OR=19.029, p<0.001) were significantly associated with an increased amputation rate. Conclusions: The most significant risk factors associated with the high amputation rate of23.6% were the mechanism of injury, an ischaemic time longer than 6 hours, the presence of a compartment syndrome and associated with fractures around the knee joint.
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