Vascular Injuries After Minor Blunt Upper Extremity Trauma
Author Information
Author(s): Bravman Jonathan T, Ipaktchi Kyros, Biffl Walter L, Stahel Philip F
Primary Institution: Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can minor blunt trauma to the upper extremity lead to significant vascular injuries that are easily missed?
Conclusion
A high level of suspicion is necessary for the timely diagnosis of rare vascular injuries following minor blunt trauma.
Supporting Evidence
- Arterial lesions were detected in 0.97% of cases with closed shoulder dislocations.
- Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to vascular injuries due to loss of arterial elasticity.
- Up to a third of patients with arterial injuries have a history of previous joint dislocations.
Takeaway
Sometimes, when people hurt their arms in small accidents, they can have serious injuries inside that are hard to see. Doctors need to be very careful to check for these injuries.
Methodology
Review of literature and presentation of two case examples.
Limitations
The study does not provide a straightforward algorithm for identifying significant vascular injuries in minor trauma cases.
Participant Demographics
Two case examples included a 46-year-old male and a 38-year-old female, both right hand dominant.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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