Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb fractures with vascular injuries are associated with a high rate of secondary amputation. Reducing ischaemic time is vital for limb salvage. However, the optimal sequence of surgical management remains unclear. We aimed to review the literature to establish an evidence-based management algorithm. METHODS: All identifiable English language or translated literature related to the surgical sequence of lower limb fractures with vascular injuries was reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 101 cases described in 10 publications (median age: 31; range: 2.5-76) were suitable for analysis. The mean MESS was 4.2. The limb-salvage rate with an ischaemic time of less than 6h was 87%, falling to 61% when ischaemic time exceeded 6h. A preoperative angiography caused a significant delay. The rate of re-vascularisation within 6h improved from 46% (33 of 71) to 90% (27 of 30) with the use of a shunt (p=0.04), with a mean ischaemic time of 3.8h (+/-1.7h, 1 standard deviation (SD)) versus 7.6h (+/-3.8h, 1SD) in those re-vascularised using grafts (p<0.001). The amputation rate of 27% was reduced to 13% by using shunts. CONCLUSION: Early recognition of vascular injury is vital. Formal angiograms are unnecessary and cause crucial delays. A vascular shunt can significantly reduce ischaemic time, enabling unhurried assessment of the feasibility of limb salvage, debridement of demonstrably non-viable tissue and safe skeletal fixation prior to definitive vascular and soft-tissue repair.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.bjps.2008.11.117

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg

Publication Date

05/2009

Volume

62

Pages

571 - 579

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Algorithms, Arteries, Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Fracture Fixation, Fractures, Bone, Humans, Ischemia, Limb Salvage, Lower Extremity, Male, Middle Aged, Radiography, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult