Evaluation and Management of Peripheral
Vascular Injury
Part 1

Etiology

In urban trauma centers in the United States, peripheral vascular injuries are most commonly (75–80%) caused by penetrating trauma.¹³ Approximately 50% of these penetrating injuries are caused by missiles from handguns with low muzzle velocity and low kinetic energy ( 1,000 ft lbs).¹³  Stab wounds account for 30% of these penetrating peripheral vascular injuries in the United States, but are a much more common cause in countries in which firearms are more difficult to obtain.¹⁴ Shotgun wounds cause peripheral vascular injuries only 5% of the time. Peripheral vascular injuries from blunt trauma to the extremities such as fractures, dislocations, crush injuries, and traction account for only 5% to 25% of those being treated.^15,16