Abstract
Acute ischemia of the upper extremity secondary to chronic crutch use was uncommon. Long term improper usage of the axillary crutches may lead to axillary/brachial artery stenosis or aneurysms formation. Aneurysms formation may be complicated by acute thrombosis or embolization of distal vessels. We reported two postpoliomyelitis patients with crutch-induced axillary/brachial aneurysm complicated with acute upper limb ischemia. One was treated by thromboembolectomy and later unavoidable below-elbow amputation due to progressive gangrenous change of distal limb. The other was treated by both aneurysm resection and thromboembolectomy, and the critical limb was rescued. To salvage an ischemic limb successfully, prompt diagnosis and correct surgical treatment with thromboembolectomy, aneurysm resection and reconstruction is necessary. The roles of treatment modalities and the instructions on correct usage of axillary crutches were discussed.
Published Version
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