Combined subclavian artery and brachial plexus injuries from blunt upper-extremity trauma

Four cases of blunt upper extremity trauma producing subclavian artery and brachial plexus injuries are presented. In each case the patient was hemodynamically stable and arteriography demonstrated the subclavian lesion. Arterial reconstruction was successfully accomplished in three cases, but no use of the injured limb was regained by any patient. Early arterial repair may still be indicated to allow later above-elbow amputation for the purpose of functional rehabilitation.