Dynamic Compression of the Subclavian Artery Secondary to Clavicle Nonunion: A Report of 2 Cases. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicholson, Jamie A.; Stirling, Paul H.C.; Strelzow, Jason; Robinson, Christopher M.
• Is Part Of: JBJS case connector. Volume 9:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Orthopedic surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.18.00200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-3251

Abstract

Abstract : Case: We describe 2 patients with nonunion of the clavicle and dynamic compression of the subclavian artery. In both patients, no structural abnormality of the subclavian vessels was evident at rest; however, with the arm in hyperabduction, arterial occlusion occurred because of the mobility of the fracture and a prominent callus. Conclusion: This small case series demonstrates an important and, to our knowledge, unreported clinical complication of clavicle fracture nonunion. We believe that this complication is worth considering as a rare but important cause of pain in patients with delayed union or nonunion of the clavicle.