Axillary artery rupture caused by shoulder dislocation.

A case of axillary artery disruption following an anterior shoulder dislocation is reported, the eleventh such case in the past 25 years. As an alternative to dividing the pectoralis major tendon, two incisions, infraclavicular and transaxillary incisions, were used to repair the artery with an interposition Dacron graft. An absent radial pulse following a shoulder dislocation suggests the possibility of axillary artery injury, usually a dissected intimal flap but occasionally a ruptured vessel. Early arterial repair is indicated, preceded by arteriography, if available. Brachial plexus injury frequently accompanies arterial damage and is not affected by arterial repair. Permanent, partial motor dysfunction is common, especially involving the extensors of the hand.