Use of a Javid™ shunt in the management of axillary artery injury as a complication of fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus: a case report

Stuart A Suttie¹ , Reza Mofidi² , Alison Howd² and Gareth D Griffiths²

¹Department of Surgery and Molecular Oncology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK

²Department of Vascular Surgery, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:259doi:10.1186/1752-1947-2-259


Published:	5 August 2008

Abstract

Introduction

Axillary artery injury is a rare but severe complication of fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus.

Case presentation

We present a case of axillary artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to such a fracture, in a 82-year-old white woman, presenting 10 weeks after the initial injury, successfully treated with subclavian to brachial reversed vein bypass together with simultaneous open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture. We discuss the use of a Javid™ shunt during combined upper limb revascularisation and open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured humerus.

Conclusion

This case highlights the usefulness of a Javid™ shunt, over other forms of vascular shunts, in prompt restoration of blood flow to effect limb salvage. It can be considered as a temporary measure whilst awaiting definitive revascularisation which can be performed following fracture fixation.