Popliteal vascular injuries

Injuries of the popliteal artery and vein are especially challenging, as they pose the highest risk of limb loss of any peripheral vascular injury. High rates of limb salvage have been achieved through prompt diagnosis and repair, aggressive use of fasciotomy, adjunctive venous repair and anticoagulation, and appropriate prioritization of multiple injuries. Only with a firm understanding of anatomy, epidemiology, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options can success be obtained with this difficult form of trauma.