Anomalous Vascular Anatomy on Preoperative CT and Surgical Implications for Clavicle Fractures: A Case Report
Kelly H McFarlane1, Alysala Malik2, Andrew A Gomella3
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California.
Case:
A 64-year-old woman sustained a right diaphyseal clavicle fracture along with ipsilateral rib fractures after being hit by a motor vehicle while cycling. She underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the right clavicle and was found intraoperatively to have an anomalous external jugular vein coursing anterior to the clavicle.
Conclusion:
Anomalous vessels around the clavicle are rare but can be a source of significant hemorrhage when injured. Cross-sectional imaging obtained as part of the trauma workup provides surgeons an opportunity to identify these vessels preoperatively; awareness of these variations can optimize the safety of clavicle fracture surgery.
