Clinical characteristics and surgical strategies in the management of popliteal artery injuries from 2020 to 2023: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Abstract

Background: Popliteal artery injuries represent one of the most severe and complex vascular traumas due to their anatomical location and limited collateral circulation. These injuries, often caused by high-energy trauma such as traffic and workplace accidents, require prompt diagnosis and timely surgical intervention to prevent limb loss and improve functional outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study analyzed 120 cases of popliteal artery injuries treated at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital from 2020 to 2023. Clinical characteristics, mechanisms of injury, surgical strategies, and treatment outcomes were assessed. Data were collected retrospectively for 99 patients (2020–2022) and prospectively for 21 patients (2023). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: Traffic accidents accounted for 85.83% of cases, with freelancers and workers being the most affected. The majority of patients (68.33%) were aged 11–40 years. All patients exhibited acute limb ischemia symptoms, including absent peripheral pulses and delayed capillary refill. End-to-end anastomosis (47.5%) and autologous vein grafting (36.66%) were the most common surgical techniques. The limb salvage rate was 95.83%, but complications such as infection (27.5%), muscle necrosis (15%), and vascular occlusion (2.5%) were observed. Amputation was necessary in 4.16% of cases due to irreversible ischemic damage. Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention in managing popliteal artery injuries. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, postoperative complications remain a challenge, emphasizing the need for optimized perioperative care and rehabilitation strategies. Standardized treatment protocols and multidisciplinary approaches can further improve limb salvage rates and long-term functional outcomes.