Closed elbow dislocation and brachial artery damage

Abstract

Damage to the brachial artery associated with closed elbow dislocation but without accompanying fracture is rare. Only 25 cases have been reported to date. We present a case that responded well to brachial artery vein grafting, and review the literature on this subject. Operative repair is recommended in this uncommon complication of closed dislocation of the elbow.