OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes of lower extremity (LE) and upper extremity (UE) arterial trauma.
METHODS: Retrospective review of 2008 version of National Trauma Databank. Adult patient with LE and UE arterial trauma was identified and outcomes were compared.
RESULTS: There were 8311 cases of extremity arterial trauma and 37% involved the LE. The LE cohort had higher blunt injury (56.2% vs 37.4%; P <.0001). The LE cohort was more likely to require fasciotomy (23.6% vs 6.7%; P <.0001) and amputation (7.8% vs 1.3%; P <.0001). Complication (18.8% vs 5.1%; P <.0001) and mortality rate (7.7% vs 2.2%, P <.0001) were higher in the LE cohort. Regardless of extremity, blunt trauma was associated with higher mortality (4.8% vs 3.8%; P =.03) and amputation (6.7% vs 1.3%; P <.0001). In multivariable analysis, LE arterial trauma was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-2.9; P <.0001) and amputation (OR 4.3, 95% CI 3.2-5.8; P <.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Lower and upper extremity arterial injuries have different modes of presentation and outcomes. Lower extremity arterial trauma is more commonly caused by blunt injury and associated with worse outcomes despite more intensive intervention.