Purpose: We present the results of the management of muskoloskeletal lesions accompanied by rupture of a main arterial vessel, foccusing on the priorities in salvaging the affected limp.

Materials – methods: In a period of 3 years and 6 months (Sep.1999–Mar 2003), 21 patients having sustained multiple injuries were admitted with signs of poor vascularization distally to the lesion. 16 were male and 5 female, their ages ranging from 16 to 49 years (average 27 years). The musculoskeletal injuries were: open III C humeral fracture in 2 patients, open III C femoral fractures 5, open III C tibial shaft fractures 10, knee joint dislocations 4 patients. All patients had a preoperative angiography in order to assess the severity of the vascular lesion. Immediate stabilization of the fracture with an external fixation system was performed, followed by restoration of the vascular injury by means of a by-pass, end-to-end suture or interposition of a “stent”.

Results: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 48 months (mean 27 mon.). Amputation was performed in 3 patients due to failure of the revascularization procedure 2 weeks postoperatively. External fixation was maintained as a final method of treatment in 5 cases, while in 9 cases we exchanged it to intramedullary nailing. In the 4 cases of knee dislocation, ligament reconstruction was imperative. Eventually 18 limps were salvage with a satisfactory functional outcome.

Conclusion: In polytrauma patients with both musculoskeletal and vascular injuries the immediate application of an external fixator represents a precausative for a successful vascular operation. Exchanging the external fixation system to interlocking intramedullary nailing accelerates the healing process.