Traumatic dissection and thrombosis of the popliteal artery in a child.

Abstract

Injuries of the popliteal artery have the highest rate of limb loss compared with other peripheral vascular injuries. Particularly, blunt popliteal artery trauma is known to be associated with a high rate of amputation. Traumatic vascular injuries are usually associated with dislocations and fractures. We describe the radiographic findings as well as the delayed presentation and management of a crush injury of the left leg in an 8-year-old girl resulting in dissection of the popliteal artery without a dislocation or fracture.