Abstract
Unilateral extremity swelling after trauma usually results from acute musculoskeletal or orthopedic injuries. Worsening of swelling raises concern for compartment syndrome or vascular injury. Time-sensitive diagnosis and interventions are needed to avoid life- or limb-threatening consequences. In this report, we highlight the case of a 16-year-old male who presented with unilateral lower extremity pain and swelling, one week after a motor vehicle accident. Thorough evaluation and appropriate imaging detected the presence of an abnormal communication between the muscular branch of the anterior tibial artery and the vein. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are usually acquired and caused by penetrating trauma or iatrogenic procedures. They are rarely associated with blunt trauma. It is important to determine the degree of flow within the communication, as high flow lesions are associated with severe complications such as limb ischemia and heart failure. This report highlights the evaluation and management of a patient with delayed post-traumatic unilateral extremity swelling that eventually resulted in the diagnosis of a low-flow AVF amenable to conservative management, resulting in complete resolution of his symptoms.
Highlights
Unilateral extremity swelling after trauma is usually a result of acute musculoskeletal and/or orthopedic injuries
It is important to determine the degree of flow within the communication, as high flow lesions are associated with severe complications such as limb ischemia and heart failure
We report the case of an adolescent male who presented with unilateral right lower extremity swelling
Summary
Unilateral extremity swelling after trauma is usually a result of acute musculoskeletal and/or orthopedic injuries. We report the case of an adolescent male who presented with unilateral right lower extremity swelling. The patient reported improvement of his symptoms following the procedure, manifesting less pain and return of skin sensation He received physical therapy during his hospital stay, which attributed to his recovery of weight-bearing and range of motion in the affected right lower extremity. He was subsequently discharged home with instructions to continue physical therapy and follow up with interventional radiology.
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