Subclavian and axillary artery injuries.

Experience with 36 Black patients with disruption of the subclavian or axillary arteries is reported. The clinical presentation and operative approaches are described. The average time interval between injury and diagnosis of arterial injury was 10 days. Two case reports which illustrate the adverse consequences of delayed treatment are presented. Careful clinical assessment of penetrating injuries in the neck and shoulder region is necessary to exclude major arterial injury. Arch aortography is indicated if arterial injury is suspected.