Late-onset Brachial Artery Occlusion caused by Subclavian Artery Stenosis after Clavicular Fracture: A Case Report

We report a rare case of late-onset brachial artery occlusion caused by subclavian artery stenosis with excessive scar tissue after open reduction and plate fixation for clavicular fracture. When he referred to us, the right hand were pale and the radial and ulnar pulses at the wrist were absent. CT-angiogram showed compression of subclavian artery by excessive scar tissue beneath the fracture site and angiography revealed stenosis of subclavian artery with thrombus and complete obstruction of blood flow in the brachial artery with emboli. Therefore, we performed embolectomy. 2 years after operation, patient was essentially asymptomatic except mild pain after long standing elevation of arm. We recommend that minimal soft tissue dissection should be needed in the operative treatment of clavicular fracture, especially soft tissue beneath the clavicle should be protected maximally.