Rare popliteal mass following retrograde nailing of ballistic femur fracture: a case report.

Abstract

Civilian ballistic injuries are commonly associated with fracture, vascular injury, and soft tissue trauma. Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms represent an extremely rare subset of vascular injuries following ballistic fractures. We present the rare case of a posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm that occurred after retrograde femoral nailing of a ballistic distal femur fracture. The patient presented in clinic postoperatively with a pulsatile popliteal mass. Distal pulses were intact but subsequent ultrasound and angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the distal superficial femoral artery. The pseudoaneurysm was subsequently treated with a covered stent and the patient's recovery was uncomplicated. Due to the potential life and limb-threating complications from pseudoaneurysm rupture, this case report emphasizes the early recognition and expeditious management of vascular complications following ballistic fractures in the civilian population.