OUTCOME OF POPLITEAL ARTERY INJURIES AND AWARENESS ABOUT PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To study the various outcome of popliteal artery injury and primary awareness about the preventive measures of road traffic accidents. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 30 cases of popliteal artery injury data taken from Department of General surgery, Madras Medical College & Government General Hospital, Chennai from March 2009 to February 2012. RESULTS: Blunt trauma to popliteal artery accounts for 70% of cases. Contusion of middle third of popliteal artery segment is the most common mechanism and site of injury with associated bony fracture accounts for 78% of cases. Popliteal artery repair was done in 18 cases, primary amputation was done 10 cases and 2 cases were managed medically. Great saphenous vein interposition was the commonest procedure done. CONCLUSION: Blunt injury due to RTA is more common than gunshot injury. Delayed presentation to tertiary care facilities and unawareness regarding outcome of injury lead on to higher amputation rate compared to developed countries. Primary preventive strategies of road safety measures and health awareness should be the main focus to reduce the amputation rate and better outcome.