Arterial Injuries of the Extremities Associated with Fractures

Vascular injuries of the extremities associated with closed fractures in civilian practice have given poor results because of delay in diagnosis or inadequate treatment. Five cases are presented where arteriography defined the site and suggested the type of arterial obstruction. The treatment consisted of arteriolysis, thrombectomy, or intimal repair or some combination of these. Low molecular dextran 40 was used in all cases and heparin sodium in one. A normal functioning limb resulted in all patients.