Lower extremity arterial injury: results of 550 cases and review of risk factors associated with limb loss

Background: The authors' experience of lower limb arterial injury (LLAI) management was analysed and risk factors associated with limb loss were identified. Methods: Between 1987 and 1997, data on 550 patients with 646 LLAIs were analysed retrospectively. Results: The mechanism of LLAI was gunshot wounds in 46 per cent, blunt trauma in 19 per cent, stabbing in 12 per cent and shotgun in 9 per cent. The most frequently injured vessel was the superficial femoral artery (37 per cent) followed by the popliteal (31 per cent), crural (11 per cent), common femoral (9 per cent) and profunda (59 per cent) arteries. In 3 per cent of patients there was a combined injury on either side of the knee. Associated injuries included bony injury in 35 per cent, nerve injury in 8 per cent and remote injuries affecting the head, chest or abdomen in 4 per cent. Surgery was carried out in 96 per cent of patients with a limb salvage rate of 84 per cent and a survival rate of 98 per cent. Despite a rising trend in LLAI, total and delayed amputation rates remained stable. On stepwise logistic regression analysis, significant ( P < 0·01) independent risk factors for amputation were blocked graft (odds ratio (OR) 16·7), combined above‐ and below‐knee injury (OR 4·4), tense compartment at presentation (OR 4·2), arterial transection (OR 2·8) and associated compound fractures (OR 2·7). Factors such as simple fractures, venous injury/ligation and the use of synthetic grafts were not associated with increased risk of limb loss. Conclusion: LLAI carries a high amputation rate. Stab injuries are the least likely to lead to amputation whereas injuries associated with severe soft tissue damage, such as high‐velocity firearm injuries and blunt trauma with compound fractures, are the most likely to do so. The most significant independent risk factor for limb loss was failed revascularization. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd