Prognostic factors in vascular traumas of the popliteal region

Injuries of the popliteal region remain a serious problem as far as the outcome is concerned. The role and the risks of revascularization have yet to be properly evaluated. It's always difficult to decide on a major amputation. A retrospective study was applied to 37 cases referred to the CHRU d'Angers, between 1976 and 1987. We were then able to establish a prognostic scale with 120 ischaemia, the contusion, the clinical context and the open wound. The scale is used before any decision and allows us to decide whether revascularization or amputation have to be performed. In this series, 2 patients (5%) eventually died; 11 (33%) underwent a major amputation and 24 (65%) were successfully revascularized. The results are analyzed in relation to the prognostic scale and the literature.