RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Vascular lesion associated with knee dislocation represents a common and potentially devastating complication. A delay in revascularization that exceeds 8 hours can lead to amputation of the extremity. Therefore it is mandatory to do an immediate examination and an effective diagnosis to rule out this complication. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old male was struck by a motor vehicle and caused traumatic dislocation of the left knee as observed on X-rays. The knee was reduced immediately. At 12 hours, the patient presented edema on the extremity and was then stabilized with external fixators. On the third day the patient developed a compartmental syndrome and artery obstruction, and required fasciotomies and revascularization of the popliteal artery. Twenty four hours later, again the artery was obstructed, conducing to supracondylar amputation. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this article is to show that a knee dislocation, with vascular complications, may lead to extremity amputation as a drastic treatment. It is important to emphasize that vigilance of vascular permeability has to be followed every 2-3 hours, for at least 72 hours after the injury, and assisted with Doppler study. And if needed, at the moment when a pulse abnormality is detected an arteriography study must be realized.