Case Report
Axillary artery compromise in a minimally displaced proximal humerus fracture: a case report
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* Corresponding author: Mohamed Sukeik msukeik@hotmail.com
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Barnsley District General Hospital, Hillder House, 49-51 Gawber Road, Barnsley, S75 2PY, UK
Cases Journal 2009, 2:9308 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-9308
Published: 11 December 2009Abstract
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.