Improved limb salvage and mobility following peroneal artery bypass

During the 10-year period August 1981 to 1991, 92 consecutive patients underwent revascularisation to the peroneal artery (40 to the upper third, 30 to the mid and 22 to the distal third). The male/female ratio was 1.6: 1 and the mean age was 72 years. Thirteen patients had independent mobility preoperatively while 58 had limited mobility and the remaining 18 were bed/ housebound. Following surgery the patients were prospectively evaluated and mean follow-up was 25 months. The 1 and 3 year patency rates were 67 and 59% respectively and cumulative limb salvage rates were 75 and 71%. Forty-four patients returned to independent mobility while 36 had limited mobility and 11 remained housebound. Reconstruction to the peroneal artery is a valuable adjuvant for limb salvage providing satisfactory cumulative patency and facilitating improved mobility.