OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical application of the medial approach for repairing popliteal artery injuries.

METHODSFrom 2002 to 2008, 11 cases of popliteal artery injuries had been repaired via the medial approach. Of these cases, 8 had limb fractures, 1 had knee dislocation, and 2 had visceral injuries. Ten popliteal arteries were anastomosed directly while one was repaired with a great saphenous vein graft.

RESULTSThe operation time ranged from 3 to 4 hours (averaging 3.6 hours). All the injured limbs survived. At the follow up, 8 legs recovered the full function, 2 had minor contracture, and 1 serious Volkmann's contracture without amputation.

CONCLUSIONThe medial approach for repair of the popliteal artery is effective, applicable, and more advantageous to the management of multi-injures.