Work

Delayed Presentation of Popliteal Artery Injury Following Tibia and Fibula Fractures: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Vascular damage linked to tibia and fibula fractures is rare; however, it poses a significant risk to limb viability. Disruption of the popliteal artery commonly happens at the time of injury; however, delayed arterial rupture may occur due to a migrated bone fragment, fixation hardware, or rupture of a pseudoaneurysm. We present the case of a 36-year-old man who developed acute, profuse hemorrhage six weeks after open reduction and internal fixation of a distal tibia fracture. The bleeding was caused by a laceration at the popliteal artery bifurcation resulting from a comminuted proximal fibula fracture fragment. Despite immediate restoration of vascular flow by direct repair of the popliteal artery, he subsequently developed severe posterior compartment necrosis and foot drop.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.113511

Authors: Firas Al Majarfi, Yamamah Al Jubori, Muhanna Al-Shaqsi, Hassan Al Lawati, Said Al Kalbani

Language: English

Topic: Vascular Procedures and Complications

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7171559940

FWCI:

Cites: 14

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