Scientific Papers: Successful Repair of Pediatric Popliteal Artery*Trauma.*

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Reed-Mark-K. Lowry-Patricia-A. Myers-Stuart-I. The American Journal of Surgery. 1990 Sep. 160(3). pp 287-290. Limb salvage after popliteal artery *trauma* in children demands the best in judgment and technique from the vascular or *trauma* surgeon. From September 1, 1985, through August 30, 1988, seven patients under age 18 were referred to our Center with popliteal *arterial* *trauma.* Four had blunt injuries and three had penetrating injuries. Associated injuries included three fractures, four severe soft tissue wounds, and one nerve injury. All patients underwent angiography, four preoperative and three intraoperative. Treatment included two primary repairs, four vein graft bypasses, and one fasciotomy and intraoperative angiography. Anastomoses were spatulated and sutured in an interrupted fashion. There were no deaths, amputations, or reoperations. At 10 to 42 months after repair, all patients have normal Doppler pressures and/or distal pulses. This study is the largest reported series of these challenging injuries. Contrasting with previous reports, it suggests that with prompt, aggressive treatment, a successful outcome may be anticipated.