Injury to the axillary artery following anterior dislocation of the shoulder

Abstract

Two instances of injury to the axillary artery secondary to anterior dislocation of the shoulder are reported. In each case it was possible to restore arterial continuity. The possibility that this type of injury is more common than indicated by the paucity of case reports is suggested. Anesthetization of the stellate ganglion has little place in the treatment of acute arterial injuries of the upper extremity. Absence of a palpable pulse at the wrist following injury to the shoulder or arm indicates occlusion of the major artery and is a prime indication for immediate exploration of the artery at the site of injury.