Surgical Approach to Military Vascular Injuries

Purpose of study: Vascular injuries caused by high-velocity military missiles are associated with bone fracture, soft-tissue, nerve and tendon injuries. In this study we will discuss the surgical strategy and results of vascular injuries, which require a different approach from primary and elective surgical procedure. Basic Methods: Surgical interventions were performed in 116 patients. Vascular lesions were localized on the lower extremity in 53, upper extremity in 55, and nine were in other regions. Vascular injuries were concomitant with bone fracture in 46 and nerve injuries in 36 patients. Vascular repair was performed after orthopedic stabilization in vessels with an ischemic period of less than 4 hours. Principal findings: Fasciotomy was performed after vascular repair in the 22 cases that had arrived after 8 hours. Amputation was required in two cases. There was one mortality. Conclusions: The best results are obtained when a multidisciplinary and emergency approach are used by the team of vascular, orthopedic, plastic and neurosurgeons who are experienced in military injuries.