[Proximal humeral fracture complicated by axillary artery lesion--a case review]

Although proximal humeral fractures are common diagnosis in emergency, cases of axillary artery injuries are rare. Authors present a patient, who underwent high energy trauma during a traffic accident like a pedestrian. Comminuted proximal humeral fracture was complicated with an occlusion of the third part of the axillary artery. There was necessary an urgent surgery, ostesynthesis with locking plate and reconstruction of the axillary artery by interposition of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft. Postoperative course was uncomplicated, patient had no symptoms of ischaemia of extremity or claudication and started physiotherapy. In review of the literature authors present possible reasons of arterial injuries, possibilities of treatments to minimize risk of amputation. Axillary artery injury from proximal humeral fracture is rare, but every surgeon must be aware of this entity in order to avoid fatal complications.