Traumatic popliteal artery injury required total gastrocnemius muscle resection: A case report

Popliteal artery injury (PAI) is one of the challenging trauma because it requires prompt revascularization and appropriate management for the associated injuries. Blood flow to the muscles may be interrupted due to injury to branches from the main trunk of the popliteal artery. Muscles with interrupted blood flow require early debridement to prevent infection; however, extensive resection of the lower leg muscles can lead to functional impairment.

We have experienced the treatment of a patient who required total gastrocnemius muscle resection because blood flow to the gastrocnemius muscle was interrupted due to traumatic popliteal artery injury. One year after the injury, the patient was able to walk without any problems and returned to his work. Although sprinting is difficult, jogging was possible. In addition, the patient was able to stand on tiptoe on the affected limb. Range of motion of knee and ankle, and functional score of knee joint was good. If the patient is young and intensive training for soleus muscle strength is performed, there may be no persistent major functional impairment.