Axillary Artery Injury Following Closed Reduction of an Age-Indeterminate Anterior Glenohumeral Dislocation

INTRODUCTION: Axillary artery injury is a rare and potentially devastating sequelae of glenohumeral dislocation. While neurovascular exam is critical in all presentations, the presence of “soft” and/or “hard” signs should prompt a more thorough examination and possible employment of advanced imaging techniques. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 51-year-old male with an axillary artery injury associated with an anterior glenohumeral dislocation. The patient was initially evaluated at an outside hospital where the vascular injury was not immediately identified, and then was subsequently transferred to our institution where he underwent bypass grafting without significant sequela. Additional prophylactic fasciotomies were also performed due to concern for reperfusion compartment syndrome. CONCLUSION: Although rare, clinicians should actively rule out vascular injuries when evaluating shoulder dislocations, especially in the elderly patient with a known history of atherosclerotic disease, those with evidence of chronic joint instability, and in the setting of high energy injury mechanisms. Hard signs of vascular injury including diminished distal pulses are the hallmark of this complication, and should always prompt vascular surgery consultation.