Rupture of axillary artery and neuropraxis as complications of recurrent traumatic shoulder dislocation: case report

Gleno-humeral dislocations are frequent, but associated complete transection of the axillary artery has only been reported sporadically. We present a case of complete rupture of the axillary artery associated with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder, followed by a discussion of the likely mechanisms and the key learning points.