Axillary artery compression following reduction of a high-impact anterior shoulder dislocation: A case report of a rare complication

Abstract

Anterior shoulder dislocation constitutes the most common type of shoulder dislocation

A case report of a 46-year-old man who had a motor vehicle road traffic accident presented with a 24-hour history of anterior shoulder dislocation following trauma with loss of distal radial pulses after closed reduction. Subsequent operative exploration revealed an invaginated strip of skin through which the head of humerus buttonholed compressing on the axillary artery. Patient had an uneventful post-operative course following excision of the strip of skin and subsequent reduction.

Anterior shoulder dislocation is common. Though rare, a strip of skin could cause vascular compromise after close reduction. There is therefore need for thorough clinical evaluation to prevent and/or early detection of this rare event. An urgent operative intervention is warranted in order to salvage the affected Limb.