Vascular injuries: Indications for stents, Timing for vascularand orthopedic injuries

Vascular injury accompanying skeletal trauma is relatively rare. However, prompt diagnosis and expeditious repair are the prerequisites for the prevention of amputation. Over the last years, many new techniques for diagnostics, like contrast-enhanced CT and treatment like intraluminal stents, angioembolization have been developed. A close collaboration between the orthopedic and vascular surgeon is critical for the success of the treatment in these difficult cases. Temporary measures like intraluminal shunts and tourniquets have enriched the armamentarium for the treatment of these injuries. When treated early and expeditiously, the general prognosis for these injuries is good.