Review Article

Evaluation and Management of Axillary Artery Injury: The Orthopaedic and Vascular Surgeon’s Perspective

Padegimas, Eric M. MD; Schoch, Bradley S. MD; Kwon, Jeon MD; DiMuzio, Paul J. MD; Williams, Gerald R. MD; Namdari, Surena MD, MSc

Author Information

¹Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery (E.M.P.) and Vascular Surgery (J.K. and P.J.D.), The Rothman Institute (G.R.W. and S.N.), Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

²Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

^aE-mail address for E.M. Padegimas: [email protected]

^bE-mail address for B.S. Schoch: [email protected]

^cE-mail address for J. Kwon: [email protected]

^dE-mail address for P.J. DiMuzio: [email protected]

^eE-mail address for G.R. Williams: [email protected]

^fE-mail address for S. Namdari: [email protected]

JBJS Reviews 5(6):p e3, June 2017. | DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.16.00082

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Abstract

* Axillary artery injury is an uncommon but potentially devastating injury.
* Early diagnosis, prompt exposure, and careful control of bleeding are critical to achieving a positive outcome.
* Early vascular surgical intervention may mitigate the potential for mortality caused by exsanguination or loss of limb from ischemia.
* Prevention, recognition, and management of common postoperative complications such as myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, compartment syndrome, and thrombosis are important to optimizing outcomes.
* Patients who sustain an axillary artery injury should be counseled on the high rate of concurrent brachial plexus injury.