Between Jan. 1980 and Dec. 1987, 47 cases in 44 patients with politeal artery injury associated with trauma around the knee joint were managed at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, KMC.

Authors analysed the diagonstic methods, operations with its results and prognostic factors, and the results were as follows:

1. The incidence was 3%(44/1473) from Jan. 1980 to Dec. 1987

2. 14 cases of 19 cases, who underwent the vascular surgery, were survived(74%) and further amputations were applied to failed 5 cases.

3. Doppler flowmeter was considered as very useful diagnostic tool because of simplicity, safety, and accuracy, therefore angiography was not necessary in all cases.

4. The length of ischemic time and the amount of associated soft tissue damage were considered as important prognostic factors.

5. Vein graft was considered as good operative technique, but thrombectomy alone was not enough method for politeal artery injury.

6. ligament repair was not always necessary in treatment of popliteal artery injury associated dislocation of knee.

7. Prophylatic decompression was necessary in all cases after vascular surqery and fibulectomy fasciotomy was considered as outstanding technique.