Vascular pathology in the throwing athlete

Vascular pathology in the upper extremity of a throwing athlete comprises a spectrum of serious disorders apt to threaten the patient's career and the viability of the involved parts. Such pathology includes digital vessel thrombosis, proximal thrombosis with distal embolization, vessel aneurysm, and vessel compression, such as in thoracic outlet syndrome and quadrilateral space syndrome. This article provides a description of vascular disorders prone to result from sports activities and a review of published data relevant to throwing athletes. Recognition of vascular compromise as a cause for dead arm syndrome or painful digital dysfunction among athletes is essential to prevent the grave consequences of progressive ischemia.