American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which artery is at risk with a distal supracondylar femur fracture?

1. Femoral artery

2. Popliteal artery

3. Tibial artery

4. Peroneal artery

The correct answer is: Popliteal artery

The popliteal artery is particularly at risk in the context of a distal supracondylar femur fracture due to its anatomical location. The popliteal artery is situated posterior to the knee and runs in close proximity to the femur. When a supracondylar fracture occurs, the resultant displacement of bone fragments and associated swelling can threaten the integrity of the popliteal artery, potentially leading to laceration or vascular compromise. This risk is particularly pronounced with distal fractures, where the proximity of the fracture site to the artery increases the likelihood of injury. In contrast, while the femoral artery is also a major vessel supplying the lower leg, its anatomical position is more proximal and less directly affected by supracondylar fractures. The tibial and peroneal arteries, although important for the vascularization of the lower leg, are situated even further distally and are not typically at direct risk from a supracondylar femur injury. Thus, the popliteal artery is the most vulnerable due to its location and the nature of the fracture.