The clavicle and its relation to trauma to the subclavian artery and vein

Abstract Clavicular injury to the subclavian artery and vein may result from a variety of syndromes. Acute injury is uncommon and the trauma is usually of a more subtle and chronic type. The injury may result from anatomic derangements following malunion of a clavicular fracture or from congenital malformation of the clavicle. However, functional vascular injury is more commonly observed and is illustrated by the costoclavicular and hyperabduction syndromes. It is important that these syndromes be recognized and appropriate operative measures utilized if the distressing symptoms of subclavian vein or artery thrombosis are to be prevented.