Slow progressive popliteal artery insufficiency after neglected proximal tibial physeal fracture: a case report.

Abstract

Popliteal artery injury is most commonly associated with high-energy trauma, which is easily diagnosed upon initial physical examination. However, in some situations, the diagnosis of arterial injury is delayed because of slow progression of arterial insufficiency, which may lead to limb amputation. We report a rare case of popliteal arterial occlusion with the presence of arterial pulses during initial assessment, resulting from a neglected proximal ibial physis fracture. This case shows that even in the presence of foot pulses, the surgeon must consider the possibility of a popliteal artery damage whenever trauma is seen near the knee joint.