Upper limb deep vein thrombosis: a potentially fatal complication of a clavicle fracture

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2010 Jul;92(5):W36-8. doi: 10.1308/147870810X12699662980358. Epub 2010 Jun 7.

Abstract

We present a case a 48-year-old man who was diagnosed with an upper limb deep vein thrombosis post clavicle fracture. He was successfully investigated with a computed tomography (CT) venogram, thrombophilia was excluded, and he was subsequently treated with a 3-month course of anticoagulation. We illustrate this case with photographs and a three-dimensional colour reconstruction of a CT venogram to raise awareness of the condition. A suitable level of clinical suspicion should be maintained by the orthopaedic surgeon; delayed arm swelling with venous congestion following a clavicle fracture should be investigated with CT venography and thrombophilia should be excluded.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bicycling / injuries
  • Clavicle / injuries*
  • Fractures, Bone / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Upper Extremity / blood supply*
  • Upper Extremity / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*