Risk of Neurovascular Injury during Screw Fixation of Tibial Tubercle Fractures in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients / Risco de lesão neurovascular durante a fixação com parafuso de fraturas da tuberosidade da tíbia em pacientes pediátricos e adolescentes

Abstract Objective To review knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for the analysis of the location of neurovascular structures (NVSs), and to define the risk of bicortical fixation. Methods Distances between the posterior cortex and the popliteal NVSs were measured on the MRI scans of 45 adolescents (50 knees) at 3 levels (C1: center of the proximal tibial epiphysis; C2: 10 mm distal to the physis; and C3: 20 mm distal to the physis). The NVSs located between 5 mm and 10 mm from the incision were considered in a zone of moderate risk for damage, while those less than 5 mm from the incision were considered in a zone of high risk for damage, and those more than 10 mm from the incision were considered to be in a zone of low risk for damage. The independent Student t-test was used for the comparison of the NVS distance 0with gender, skeletal maturity, and the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Values of p < 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Results The path of the C1 screw posed an increased risk of damage to the popliteal artery and vein compared with other screw paths (p < 0.001). The popliteal artery has a high risk of damage at the level of C1 (4.2 ± 2.2mm), and a moderate risk at C2 (9.6 ± 2.4mm), and the popliteal vein has a moderate risk at C1 (6.0 ± 2.7 mm), and a low risk at C2 and C3 (10.8 ± 3.1mm, and 12.05 ± 3.1mm respectively). The C3 position presented the lowest risk of damage to these structures (p < 0.001). The distance between the posterior tibial cortex and the posterior tibial nerve was < 15 mm at the 3 levels analyzed (C1: 11.0 ± 3.7 mm; C2:13.1 ± 3.8 mm; and C3:13 ± 3.9 mm). Conclusions The present study clarifies that the popliteal vessels are at risk of injury during tibial tubercle screw fixation, particularly when drilling the proximal tibial epiphysis. Monocortical drilling and screw fixation are recommended for the surgical treatment of tibial tubercle fractures. Level of Evidence III Diagnostic study.

Resumo Objetivo Revisar estudos de ressonância magnética (RM) do joelho para análise da localização das estruturas neurovasculares (ENVs) e definição do risco de fixação bicortical. Métodos As distâncias entre o córtex posterior e as ENVs poplíteas foram medidas nas RMs de 45 adolescentes (50 joelhos) em 3 níveis (C1: centro da epífise proximal da tíbia; C2:10 mm distalmente à fise e C3: 20 mm distalmente à fise). Considerou-se que as ENVs entre 5mme10mmda incisão estavam na zona de risco moderado de lesão, as ENVs a menos de 5 mm da incisão, na zona de alto risco de lesão, e as ENVs a mais de 10 mm da incisão, na zona de baixo risco de lesão. O teste t de Student independente foi usado para comparar a distância até as ENVs com o gênero, a maturidade esquelética e a distância entre a tuberosidade tibial e a garganta (fundo) da tróclea (TT-GT). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados A trajetória do parafuso em C1 apresentou maior risco de lesão à artéria e à veia poplítea em comparação com outras trajetórias (p < 0,001). A artéria poplítea apresenta risco de lesão alto em C1 (4,2 ± 2,2 mm) e moderado em C2 (9,6 ± 2,4 mm), e a veia poplítea tem risco moderado em C1 (6,0±2,7 mm) e baixo em C2 e C3 (10,8±3,1 mm e 12,05±3,1mm, respectivamente). A posição C3 apresentou o menor risco de lesão dessas estruturas (p < 0,001). A distância entre o córtex tibial posterior e o nervo tibial posterior foi inferior a 15 mm nos 3 níveis analisados (C1: 11,0±3,7mm; C2: 13,1±3,8 mm; e C3: 13±3,9mm). Conclusões Este estudo esclarece que os vasos poplíteos correm risco de lesão durante a fixação do parafuso na tuberosidade tibial, principalmente durante a perfuração da epífise proximal da tíbia. A perfuração monocortical e a fixação com parafusos são recomendadas para o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas da tuberosidade tibial. Nível de Evidência III Estudo diagnóstico.

Clinical study of early diagnosis and treatment in patients suffered from popliteal artery injury / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the early diagnosis and rational treatment of popliteal artery injury so as to im-prove the lower limb salvage rate. Methods The clinical and follow-up data integrity of 25 patients with popliteal artery injury was systematically studied. In these patients , 19(76%)cases were blunt injury and 6(24%) cases were penetrating injury. The combined injury included open fracture in 10 cases(40%) ,the knee joint dislocation with closed fracture of lower limb in 13(52%),nerve injury in 5(20%) and venous injury in 3(12%),respective-ly. The cause of delayed diagnosis and relationship between prognosis and type of injury, complications, the dura-tion from injured to treatment time were analyzed. Results 20 cases were operated to repair the popliteal artery. Endovascular treatment in 5 cases, the blood supply completely recovered (64%) in 16 cases, improved in 3 cases (12%) , 6 cases (24%) amputed, respectively. Rate of amputation within 6~8 hours was significantly lower than that of the more than 8 hours from the injuried to treatment time ( P<0. 05 ) . Amputation rate in blunt injury and combined injury was significantly higher than that of sharp injury ( P<0. 05 ) . Conclusion The duration from inju-ry to surgery more than 8 h, combined with knee joint dislocation and wound around knee is a major cause of mor-bidity. Operation with arterial thrombectomy is the main treatment, while endovascular treatment is a complementa-ry treatment to save the lower limb.

Vascular Injury Associated with Blunt Trauma without Dislocation of the Knee

Failure to recognize popliteal artery injury and restore vessel continuity of flow after blunt trauma is a major cause of lower extremity amputation and morbidity. A high index of suspicion and early recognition of the injury are paramount for limb salvage. We experienced a rare case of poplitial artery occlusion with the presence of arterial pulses due to collateral circulation after blunt trauma. Expeditious revascularization was achieved by using posterior approach, allowing two surgical teams to work simultaneously. This case illustrates that, even in the absence of knee dislocation, surgeons must always consider the possibility of a popliteal artery damage whenever a blunt trauma near the knee.

Vascular Injury Associated with Blunt Trauma without Dislocation of the Knee

Failure to recognize popliteal artery injury and restore vessel continuity of flow after blunt trauma is a major cause of lower extremity amputation and morbidity. A high index of suspicion and early recognition of the injury are paramount for limb salvage. We experienced a rare case of poplitial artery occlusion with the presence of arterial pulses due to collateral circulation after blunt trauma. Expeditious revascularization was achieved by using posterior approach, allowing two surgical teams to work simultaneously. This case illustrates that, even in the absence of knee dislocation, surgeons must always consider the possibility of a popliteal artery damage whenever a blunt trauma near the knee.

Revascularization of Popliteal Artery Injury in Trauma Around Knee Joint

Popliteal artery injury in blunt trauma of knee joint is not common but poses high rate of amputation due to anatomical characteristics or delayed diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the present study is to review the authors' experiences with this condition and identify factors contributing to disability. We reviewed 7 cases of popliteal artery injury in trauma around knee. Injury mechanism, type of vessel damage, associated injuries, mangled extremity severity scores (MESS), ischemic time and additional treatments were analyzed. Tibial fracture, distal femoral fracture and serious soft tissue defect were combined. Mean MESS was 9.9 point and mean time of revascularization was 7.1 hours. Transfemoral amputation was performed in 2 cases due to vascular insufficiency and devastating infection, and 4 patients were able to walk without any support at the last follow up. Age, the severity of soft tissue injury, ischemic time and MESS are thought to be related to prognosis, and young patients with short ischemic time show best results, but authors experienced one exceptional case. We have to consider multiple factors related to the prognosis in popliteal artery injury with fractures around knee, and careful decision is needed regarding to early amputation.

Surgical treatment of popliteal artery injury due to trauma

From Jan/2001 to Nov/2001 at the Cardio–vascular ward Cho Ray Hospital there were 20 patients who were popliteal artery injured. The causes are that motorbike accident: 18 cases; block ferrous compressed: 01 case; jumping: 01 case. The treatment is that cutting the arterial damaged and transplantation by saphenous vein: 06 cases; amputation 1/3 inferior femoral: 04 cases (two cases for premarie amputation, two cases for 24 hours after operating). Result: 16 patients were checked after operating (ECHO Doppler: 12 cases, DSA: 04 cases). All them have good results: the anastomosis is not stenosis or obstruction.

A Clinical Study of Popliteal Artery Injury / 대한정형외과학회잡지

With the increase of motor accident, the rate of popliteal artery injury is increased, As the injuries are critical, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can save the limb. 27 cases of popliteal artery injury patients were reviewed and the result was as follows ; l. Amputation rate was 11%, as 3 out of 27 cases failed. There was no correlation between ischemic time and the rate of amputation. 2. Complete resection of all injured portion of vessel and reconstruction of patency through interposed saphenous vein graft was often indicated to avoid tension at the anastomosis site. 3. The rate of fasciotomy was positively correlated with the ischemic time. 4. Medial approach is preferred to posterior approach, since it makes proximal extension of exploration possible, and decrease the incidence of joint contracture. 5. Complications noted are wound infection, systemic sepsis and venous stasis, but they could be treated with proper management. However, nerve deficit due to associated nerve injuries was resist to treatment.

Popliteal Artery Injury Associated with Severe Knee Trauma / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Fracture dislocation or dislocation of the knee can produce a popliteal artery injury that may be difficult to evaluate clinically. Diagnosis of disruption or thrombosis of the popliteal artery is frequently delayed until the opportunity to salvage the extremity is lost. 22 cases of popliteal artery injury were reviewed from July 1978 to December 1983, associated with severe knee trauma at the Orthopaedic department of Kyung Hee University Hospital, of whom average follow-up for about 52 months. The results obtained were as follows; 1. In all 22 cases, 14 cases (63. 6%) were amputated. The amputation rate was correlated with ischemic time after injury. 2. Resection of all injuried vessels with reconstitution of continuity by the use of an interposed saphenous vein graft is often warrented to avoid tension. 3. All 8 patients, which was managed conservatively, were amputated in all cases(100%). In cases of suspicious popliteal artery injury, early aggressive exploration and obvious microvascular reconstruction should be mandatory. 4. Subperiosteal fibulectomy-fasciotomy should be done routinely immediately after vascular injury. 5. Diagnosis of popliteal artery injury was based on the clinical findings but the capillary filling was not contributary. 6. The use of Doppler flowmeter and emergency arteriography was recognizedtobeanexcellent methods in determination of arterial injury.