The effects of ligation of the subclavian artery on the bones and soft tissues of the arms

Abstract

Children whose subclavian artery was sacrificed for a Blalock-Taussig operation were noticed to have a smaller and often a shorter arm on the ligated side. Arms of 28 such patients were studied radiologically. It was found that interruption of the subclavian artery usually caused a diminution both in longitudinal growth of long bones and also in muscle thickness. Bone age and circumferential growth of long bones were not affected. Subcutaneous fat sometimes increased in thickness.