Injury of the Axillary Artery after a Proximal Humeral Fracture: a Case Report and Overview of the Literature

Abstract

A traumatic lesion of the axillary artery after a proximal humeral fracture is very uncommon. The clinical presentation can be very misleading and therefore it is mandatory to have a high index of suspicion and, as presented in this case report, to check the pulsations in different positions. Open repair remains the golden standard for most surgeons, but, in selected cases, an endovascular approach is feasible. The functional outcome is mostly determined by the associated trauma, especially the injury to the nervous structures.

Lesão da artéria axilar secundária a fratura do terço proximal de úmero: relato de caso

“…Segundo Mathei et al, 6 suspeitar de trauma arterial é o primeiro e mais importante passo para o diagnóstico. Quando estiverem presentes sinais clínicos de isquemia do membro, o diagnóstico torna-se fácil, porém, em alguns casos, os sinais de isquemia podem não estar evidentes logo após o trauma e aparecer tardiamente, com consequências graves para o membro.…”

Proximal humerus fractures

“…Case reports of vascular injuries to the axillary artery have occurred in two scenarios (Byrd et al, 1998;Mathei et al, 2008;Zuckerman et al, 1984). Case reports of vascular injuries to the axillary artery have occurred in two scenarios (Byrd et al, 1998;Mathei et al, 2008;Zuckerman et al, 1984).…”

Proximal humerus fractures

“…Case reports of vascular injuries to the axillary artery have occurred, and one must be aware that this poses a potentially life-threatening situation (Byrd et al, 1998;Mathei et al, 2008;Zuckerman et al, 1984). The axillary artery, nerve and vein, brachial plexus, thoracic cavity, and lung are at risk of injury with proximal humeral fractures.…”