Neurovascular injuries in shoulder trauma

Although the incidence of neurovascular injury following shoulder trauma is relatively uncommon, a missed diagnosis may have serious clinical ramifications for the patient, and potential medical and legal implications for the treating surgeon. When treating these injuries with closed reduction or surgery the neural and vascular structures are at risk, and therefore a detailed and thorough baseline neurovascular status is essential before treatment. We suggest a systematic clinical approach when presented with trauma to the shoulder. This article provides an easily reproducible yet comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, identification, and treatment of neurovascular injuries following shoulder trauma.