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Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 4/2012

01-08-2012 | Review Article

Shank vessel injuries: the forgotten vascular injuries

Authors: E. Stuebing, H. Lieberman, T. Vu, F. N. Mazzini, L. De Gregorio, A. Gigena, E. Iglesias, R. Gonzalo, A. J. Perez-Alonso, J. A. Asensio

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Introduction

Vascular injuries in branch vessels of the popliteal artery, such as the tibioperoneal trunk, and shank vessels, such as anterior, posterior tibial, and peroneal vessels, occur in both blunt and penetrating trauma. Their management has evolved significantly in the past few decades. While their incidence is variable, limb loss and morbidity remain significant.

Material and methods

Physical examination, along with measuring an Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI), is still sometimes all that is required for diagnosis and can expeditiously triage those that require urgent operation. Despite our technological advancements and newer algorithms for lower extremity vascular trauma, operative intervention and exposure still remain difficult and pose a great challenge for surgeons that normally do not operate on this area.

Conclusions

Shank vessel injuries still comprise a significant proportion of combat and civilian vascular injuries, and modern advances have led to a dramatic decrease in amputation rates.
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Metadata
Title
Shank vessel injuries: the forgotten vascular injuries
Authors
E. Stuebing
H. Lieberman
T. Vu
F. N. Mazzini
L. De Gregorio
A. Gigena
E. Iglesias
R. Gonzalo
A. J. Perez-Alonso
J. A. Asensio
Publication date
01-08-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-012-0196-8

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