Subclavian vessels injury: An underestimated complication of clavicular fractures

Abstract

Clavicle fractures are frequent orthopedic injuries, often resulting from direct trauma or a fall. Most clavicle fractures are treated conservatively without any complications or adverse effects. Concomitant injuries of the subclavian vein or artery are rarely encountered and most commonly associated with high-energy trauma or comminuted clavicle fractures. They are potentially life-threatening conditions leading to hemorrhage, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm or upper limb ischemia. However, the clinical presentation might be obscure and easily missed, particularly in closed and minimally displaced clavicular fractures, and timely diagnosis relies on early clinical suspicion. Currently, computed tomography angiography has largely replaced conventional angiography for the assessment of subclavian vessel patency, as it demonstrates high accuracy and temporal resolution, acute turnaround time, and capability of multiplanar reconstruction. Depending on the hemodynamic stability of the patient and the severity of the injury, subclavian vessel lesions can be treated conservatively with observation and serial evaluation or operatively. Interventional vascular techniques should be considered in patients with serious hemorrhage and limb ischemia, followed by stabilization of the displaced clavicle fracture. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and current management strategies of clavicle fractures associated with subclavian vessel injuries.