Journal of vascular surgery
-
A review of upper extremity arterial injuries managed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between 1969 and 1991 was undertaken because the optimal management of complex upper extremity trauma, particularly in proximal injuries, remains unclear. ⋯ Blunt proximal injuries were usually associated with neurologic, soft tissue, and bony damage, which was responsible for the poor functional outcome. Critical limb ischemia or severe hemorrhage rarely occurred. Complete brachial plexus lesions resulted in uniformly poor outcomes. More distal injuries were associated with fewer nerve and soft tissue injuries, resulting in a more satisfactory outcome.