An analysis of 124 surgically managed brachial artery injuries

Background A 3-year review of surgically managed brachial artery injuries is presented. Methods The medical records were analyzed for demographic data, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, treatment, and outcome. Results There were 113 males and 11 females with a mean age of 28.7 years. The majority of the injuries were caused by stab and gunshot wounds in 57.3% and 29%, respectively. Primary anastomosis was possible in 47 patients, whereas 73 patients required vein interposition grafting. Lower arm fasciotomy was performed in 15 patients (12.1%). Associated injuries included peripheral nerve lesions in 77 (62.1%), nonpaired brachial vein injuries in 17 (13.7%), and concomitant humerus fracture in 12 (9.7%) patients. Thirty-nine patients (31.5%) had remote injuries. Conclusions The primary repair of penetrating brachial artery injuries was possible in approximately one third of the patients. Approximately two thirds of the patients had associated nerve lesions. Critical limb ischemia rarely occurred.