Sukeik M, Vashista G, Shaath N. Axillary artery compromise in a minimally displaced proximal humerus fracture: a case report.
Cases J 2009;
2:9308. [PMID:
20062631 PMCID:
PMC2803971 DOI:
10.1186/1757-1626-2-9308]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Minimally displaced fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus are rarely associated with axillary artery injury. The innocuous appearance of the x-rays can be misleading and a missed arterial injury in these fractures could potentially lead to disastrous consequences. We report the case of a patient who sustained a minimally displaced fracture of the proximal humerus with vascular compromise requiring immediate investigation and referral to vascular surgeons. Despite spontaneous resolution of the vascular insult, it is important to remember the association of such fractures with vascular injuries in order to diagnose them early and prevent serious complications including amputation.
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