Critical ischemia and myonecrotic sepsis following scapulothoracic dissociation in the setting of apparent hand perfusion: A case report

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare and devastating injury to the shoulder girdle. It is often caused by traction or severe blunt trauma injury to the upper extremity and is associated with both neurologic and vascular injuries. Scapulothoracic dissociation is a highly morbid and rare injury pattern that is often seen in conjunction with other traumatic injuries. The authors describe a case of scapulothoracic dissociation with associated complete brachial plexus injury and subclavian artery injury that was complicated by hypoperfusion, myonecrosis, and subsequent polymicrobial infection of the affected limb in the setting of a warm hand with brisk capillary refill. While capillary refill and hand warmth in the setting of a pulseless extremity have been used in previous cases of scapulothoracic dissociation as an indication for limb perfusion and nonoperative management, these markers cannot reliably be used to evaluate collateral circulation as exemplified in this case report. This case highlights multiple important aspects of the evaluation and management of scapulothoracic dissociation that orthopaedic surgeons and vascular surgeons should be familiar with and utilize when dealing with these challenging injuries. Level of Evidence: V