Blunt traumatic subclavian artery injury.

Subclavian artery injury secondary to blunt trauma is uncommon, accounting for only 3% of traumatic injuries of the upper extremity. Associated injuries of nerve, bone and joint are common. Early recognition and appropriate surgical intervention are essential to reduce disability. Long-term limb dysfunction usually results from concomitant nerve injury. This article describes our experiences treating four patients at two Level II trauma centers in Huntington, W.Va., and reviews the literature on the subject of subclavian artery injury secondary to blunt trauma.