Operative Late-onset Popliteal Artery Occlusion Associated with Blunt Trauma

Abstract

Occlusion of the popliteal artery due to blunt trauma is not common, but failure to restore adequate blood flow in such cases is a major cause of limb loss. We encountered a rare case of late-onset popliteal artery occlusion after blunt trauma following a traffic accident. A 17-year-old woman was involved in a traffic accident, and her right lower extremity had been swollen for 2 weeks. Four months later, she complained of intermittent claudication of the right calf. Magnetic resonance angiography showed segmental occlusion of the right popliteal artery. We therefore performed a right above-the-knee popliteal artery to below-the-knee popliteal artery bypass using an in-situ autologous saphenous vein graft. Postoperatively, her ischemic symptoms resolved, although she experienced transient mild foot drop. In cases of blunt trauma around the knee joint, late-onset popliteal artery occlusion should be considered.