Vascular Trauma

Question 1

What are the “soft” signs of vascular injury?

Answer 1

• Decreased pulse compared to contralateral extremity
• Bony injury or close penetrating wound
• Neurological abnormality

Question 2

What are the “hard” signs of vascular injury?

Answer 2

• Pulsatile bleeding
• Arterial thrill on palpation or bruit by auscultation
• Signs of distal ischaemia
• Visible expanding haematoma

Question 3

How is vascular injury commonly managed?

Answer 3

• Surgical intervention
  
  • Anastomosis, graft or ligation depending on time available and nature of injury