False aneurysm as a late complication of anterior dislocation of the shoulder

A review of the leterature since 1947 fails to show a report of a false aneurysm with uncomplicated anterior shoulder dislocation. If this potential late complication is to be diagnosed and treated before the patient is released from followup medical care, careful attention must be given to alterations in the radial pulse prior to reduction. Patients who demonstrate an abnormal radial pulse which reverts to normal following reduction should have an angiogram. Pathological findings to the underlying axillary artery must be repaired promptly. Anterior dislocations of the shoulder account for approximately 50% of all dislocations and tend to be most frequent in healthy males. Late vascular complications associated with this injury are infrequent and can therefore be easily overlooked as illustrated in this report.