Arterial injury in uncomplicated upper extremity dislocations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze causes and consequences of arterial injury complicating simple dislocations of the upper extremity. This is a multicenter, 5-year, retrospective analysis of vascular injury in patients sustaining shoulder or elbow dislocations without associated fractures. Foci of the study were mechanisms of injury, preoperative imaging, incidence of closed reductions, types of arterial injury, methods of surgical repair, and ultimate outcome. Arterial injury in this patient cohort occurred in 0.74% of patients. Axillary artery injury occurred in 0. 97% and brachial in 0.47%. Both elbow and shoulder dislocations may cause severe arterial damage and strenuously test surgical expertise to achieve successful repair.