Medial approach for popliteal artery injuries

Objective:To evaluate the clinical application of the medial approach for repairing popliteal artery injuries. Methods:From 2002 to 2008,11 cases of popliteal artery injuries had been repaired via the medial approach. Of these cases,8 had limb fractures,1 had knee dislocation, and 2 had visceral injuries.Ten popliteal arteries were anastomosed directly while one was repaired with a great saphenous vein graft. Results:The operation time ranged from 3 to 4 hours (averaging 3.6 hours).All the injured limbs survived.At the follow up,8 legs recovered the full function,2 had minor contracture,and 1 serious Volkmann’s contracture without amputation. Conclusion:The medial approach for repair of the popliteal artery is effective,applicable,and more advantageous to the management of multi-injures.