Ankle sprain: an unexpected complication.

Abstract

Blunt arterial injury is usually caused by high velocity trauma and can result in intimal dissection. We present a case of a professional footballer who sustained an intimal tear of the posterior tibial artery following a minor eversion injury of the ankle. The injury was noticed because of the physical demands of this patient's profession. This was confirmed by an arteriogram and was treated with bypass surgery using an arm vein. Arterial intimal injury has not been reported previously with this type of injury. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose these injuries and revascularisation either by primary anastomosis or vein interposition graft is suggested.