Abstract
Vascular compromise in association with proximal humeral skeletal trauma is rare. Nonetheless, it has the potential for adverse outcome in the form of limb ischemia and loss. Prompt recognition of the insult may not only prevent a disaster but also salvage an extremity. A palpable radial and ulnar pulse is assumed to suggest a normal vascular status but as this illustrative case report shows is not always true. Delayed presentation of vascular insult is even more difficult to diagnose unless diligently searched for. Once appreciated, a prompt vascular intervention can salvage a difficult situation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References
McLaughlin JA, Light R, Lustrin I (1998) Axillary artery injury as a complication of proximal humerus fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 7:292–294
Vallier HA (2007) Treatment of proximal humerus fractures. J Orthop Trauma 21:469–476
Visser CP, Coene LN, Brand R, Tavy DL (2001) Nerve lesions in proximal humeral fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 10(5):421–427
Strömqvist B, Lidgren L, Norgren L, Odenbring S (1987) Neurovascular injury complicating displaced proximal fractures of the humerus. Injury 18(6):423–425
Zuckerman JD, et al (1984) Axillary artery injury as a complication of proximal humeral fractures. Two case reports and a review of the literature. Clin Orthop Relat Res (189):234–237
Modi CS, Nnene CO, Godsiff SP, Esler CN (2008) Axillary artery injury secondary to displaced proximal humeral fractures: a report of two cases. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 16(2):243–246
Chervu A, Quinones-Baldrich WJ (1988) Vascular complications in orthopaedic surgery. Clin Orthop Relat Res 235:275–288
Byrd RG, Byrd RP, Roy TM (1998) Axillary artery injuries after proximal fracture of the humerus. Am J Emerg Med 16(2):154–156
Neer CS (1970) Displaced proximal humeral fractures. I. Classification and evaluation. J Bone Joint Surg Am 52(6):1077–1089
Zuckerman JD, Flugstad DL, Teitz CC, King HA (1984) Axillary artery injury as a complication of proximal humeral fractures. Two case reports and a review of the literature. Clin Orthop Relat Res 189:234–238
Hildingsson C, Toolanen G, Hedlund T (1996) Late vascular complication after fracture of the proximal humerus. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 115(6):357–358
Yagubyan M, Panneton JM (2004) Axillary artery injury from humeral neck fracture: a rare but disabling traumatic event. Vasc Endovasc Surg 38(2):175–184
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Thakur, A., Aggarwal, V. & Thakur, R.K. Delayed presentation of axillary artery injury in proximal humeral fracture dislocation. Eur Orthop Traumatol 6, 235–238 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12570-015-0298-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12570-015-0298-y