Vascular Problems in Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Limbs

That a close relationship exists between the specialties of peripheral vascular diseases and of orthopedic and general surgery has frequently been brought sharply into focus for both of us during many years of clinical experience in our respective fields of endeavor. Frequently, trauma to musculoskeletal struc- tures has also been responsible for the production of a seriously compromised local blood flow, thus requiring a combined therapeutic approach to the solution of the problem. Improper utilization of appliances and conventional surgical procedures for common orthopedic conditions has on occasion likewise been followed by disastrous vascular complications. The fact that these possibilities exist in clinical practice has been the prime motivation for the development of this monograph. The purpose of the volume is first to make readily available to the orthopedic or the general surgeon information that will allow him to determine whether a limb which he is treating is also suffering from an underlying impairment of arterial, venous, or lymphatic circulation. On the basis of such data, he should be in a better position to institute an appropriate and safe therapeutic program. Second, the subject matter should acquaint him with the necessary steps for early recognition of vascular complications of musculoskeletal disorders pro- duced by trauma, with their differential diagnosis, and with their management. Finally, it should make him aware of the fact that a relatively large number of clinical entities possess both vascular and orthopedic components, and that it is essential to distinguish one from the other.