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Shank vessel injuries: the forgotten vascular injuries

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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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Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Trauma Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Ryder Trauma Center, 1800 NW 10 Avenue Suite T-247, Miami, FL, 33136-1018, USA

    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

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  1. E. Stuebing
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  2. H. Lieberman
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  3. T. Vu
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  4. F. N. Mazzini
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  5. L. De Gregorio
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  6. A. Gigena
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  7. E. Iglesias
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  8. R. Gonzalo
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  9. A. J. Perez-Alonso
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  10. J. A. Asensio
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Correspondence to J. A. Asensio.

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Stuebing, E., Lieberman, H., Vu, T. et al. Shank vessel injuries: the forgotten vascular injuries. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 38, 393–401 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-012-0196-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-012-0196-8

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