Posterior Elbow Dislocation with Brachial Artery Thrombosis Treated Non-surgically: A Case Report
- Author:
Lim SM
;
Chua GG
;
Asrul F
;
Yazid M
- Publication Type:Case report
- Keywords:
elbow dislocation;
brachial artery thrombosis
- From:Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
2017;11(3):63-65
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The brachial artery is rarely injured in closed posterior
dislocation of the elbow, unlike the high rate of vascular
injury seen after dislocation of the knee. Despite the
anatomical proximity of the brachial artery to the elbow
joint, most cases of brachial artery injury after dislocation of
the elbow are related to an associated fracture, an open injury
or high-energy trauma. A high index of suspicion should be
maintained as well as a thorough neurovascular examination
with regards this potentially disastrous complication. We
describe an unusual case of complete thrombosis of the
brachial artery presenting with a posterior elbow dislocation
following a fall (low energy trauma) that was treated nonoperatively.
At three months follow-up, patient had good
circulation over the affected limb, no complaints of ischemic
pain or cold intolerance, no signs of Volkmann's ischemic
contracture, and a range of motion that was comparable to
the contralateral limb.
