Axillary artery transection and bilateral pulmonary embolism after anterior shoulder dislocation: case report

• Main Authors: Leclerc Betty, Loisel François, Ferrier Maxime, Al Sayed Mazen, Rinckenbach Simon, Obert Laurent
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2017-01-01
• Series: SICOT-J
• Subjects: Axillary injury; Bilateral pulmonary embolism; Anterior shoulder dislocation; Neurovascular complications
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/sicotj/2016041

Introduction: Anterior shoulder dislocation can be associated with vascular and neurological complications. However, axillary artery injury associated with shoulder dislocation is rare and extremely rare without bone fracture. An early diagnosis of these complications allows predicting long-term functional outcomes. Methods: This article reports the case of a 66-year-old patient who presented an anterior shoulder dislocation after a ski fall without any neurological dysfunction or pulse deficit. Results: The first reduction attempts were unsuccessful and during the new attempt, we observed a hematoma. A CT scan showed a disruption of the axillary artery and a bilateral pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: Neurovascular injury must be systematically sought before and after reduction, and a multidisciplinary approach is always necessary.