A 35-year-old male sustains a penetrating wound to the right popliteal fossa from a glass shard. He has absent dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pul...

Question

A 35-year-old male sustains a penetrating wound to the right popliteal fossa from a glass shard. He has absent dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses with a pale, cool foot. Capillary refill is greater than 4 seconds. What is the most likely injured vessel and what is the critical time window?

Accepted Answer

Popliteal artery injury - the limb has approximately 6 hours of warm ischaemia time before irreversible damage

Answer

Anterior tibial artery injury - collateral circulation will compensate

Answer

Peroneal artery injury - single vessel injury is well tolerated

Answer

Femoral artery injury - 12 hours of ischaemia tolerance

Answer

Popliteal vein injury - no time-critical element

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Popliteal Artery Injury

A 35-year-old male sustains a penetrating wound to the right popliteal fossa from a glass shard. He has absent dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses with a pale, cool foot. Capillary refill is greater than 4 seconds. What is the most likely injured vessel and what is the critical time window?