Upper limb deep vein thrombosis: a potentially fatal complication of a clavicle fracture.
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.
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK. rj2483@doctors.org.uk
R Ek
RE
Jones
P A
PA
McCann
D A
DA
Clark
P
P
Sarangi
D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*