Axillary artery injury associated with proximal humerus fractures

Penetrating trauma is the primary cause of upper extremity vascular injury almost in 95% of cases. Blunt trauma due to traffic or industrial accidents and falls account for the remaining 5% to 10%. However axillary artery injury from blunt trauma to the shoulder is extremely rare. The location of the axillary artery, surrounded by the bones and muscles of the shoulder girdle, explains the low incidence of trauma suffered by this arterial segment. But its anatomical proximity to the humeral head makes it quite vulnerable to blunt trauma during shoulder injury. Herein we report two cases of axillary artery injury after proximal humerus fracture, discussing their diagnosis and management.