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[Arterial complications caused by using an axillary crutch]
K Tiesenhausen1, W Amann, G Koch
1Klinische Abteilung für Gefässchirurgie, Universitätsklinik Graz.
Zeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und Ihre Grenzgebiete
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Recurrent upper extremity emboli can stem from arterial sources, not just the heart. A patient recovered after surgery for an axillary artery aneurysm caused by crutch use.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Up to 20% of upper extremity emboli originate from arterial sources.
- Non-cardiac sources are a significant cause of embolism.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent embolism.
- The cause was identified as an aneurysm of the axillary artery.
- This aneurysm was induced by the use of an axillary crutch.
Findings:
- Surgical revascularization via embolectomy and axillo-brachial vein graft bypass was performed.
- The patient became symptom-free post-procedure.
Implications:
- This case highlights axillary crutch use as a potential cause of axillary artery aneurysms.
- Accurate diagnosis requires advanced imaging like angiography and duplex scanning.
- Effective treatment involves surgical repair and revascularization.