Traumatic disruption of the subclavian artery and brachial plexus in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

A 17-year-old girl with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome underwent simple reduction of a dislocated shoulder that was complicated by disruption of the subclavian artery and brachial plexus. The shoulder dislocation was a recurrent condition that had been treated successfully on several previous occasions without complication. During the relocation process, only minor upper extremity manipulation caused injury to the brachial plexus and subclavian artery. Management of an iatrogenic vascular injury was made difficult by the fragile consistency of the anterial wall that would not hold sutures. Amputation of the patient's arm ultimately was required.