AXILLARY ARTERY INJURY AFTER PROXIMAL HUM ERAL FRACTURES - 2 CASE-REPORTS AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

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