POPLITEAL ARTERIAL TRAUMAS - PROGNOSIS FACTORS - MULTICENTER PROSPECTIVE-STUDY APROPOS OF 40 CASES

Forty cases of arterial popliteal traumas occurring in the course of 1 992 were collected by 20 centers. The purpose of this prospective stud y was to evaluate a pre-operative prognosis score suggested by Crolais from a retrospective study. Five clinical criteria are taken in accou nt to establish the score: delay, degree of ischemia, contusion, gener al condition of the patient and wound apperture. Each of the criteria is affected by a progressive note according to the gravity. Analysis o f our series confirms the seriouness of this pathology: one death, 8 m ajor amputations and 50% of morbidity. The statistical analysis of pre -operative score and post-operative recovery confirms the existence of three groups at progressive risk: Low risk, score < 30 points. Revasc ularization must be done. Post-operative recovery is simple. Average r isk, score is between 31 and 50 points. Revascularization must be done . Post-operative recovery is particularly simple as the delay before r evascularisation will be short and systematic fasciotomies will be don e. Major risk, score > 50 points. An amputation must be carried out.