Arterial Injuries Associated with Fractures in Civilian Practice

Abstract

Sixty-two patients with arterial trauma and fractures or dislocations are re ported, half of the cases acute. The average age was 26.4 years, and 92% were males. Car accidents, blunt trauma, and bullets were the common injury agents. Thrombosis, pulsating hematoma, and complete transection were the main acute arterial lesions, and false aneurysms, chronic occlusions, and trau matic AV fistulas were the main chronic lesions. Fractures of the lower limb (64.5%) were more common than those of the upper limbs (25.8%), and hence, so were arterial lesions. Arterial reconstruction was made in every case, and venous repair was needed in 51.6% of cases. Reduction and casting was done in (51.6%) of cases, and internal fixation was needed in 40.3%. The amputation rate was 8.1%, and the mortality rate was 1.6%.