[Subcapital humerus fracture with lesion of the axillary artery. 2 case reports and review of the literature].

Two cases of fractures of the humeral neck in association with an axillary artery injury are reported. Even now, there are still only 14 well-documented cases in the literature. Trauma, pattern of injuries and treatment are analyzed. The treatment is focused on preservation of hand function, which is more important than shoulder motion. Neurovascular damage causes an impairment of hand function. The priorities of treatment (reperfusion versus osteosynthesis) are dictated by the degree of ischemia. Long-term disability is determined by brachial plexus injury.