Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Strategies in Axillary Trauma: A Case Report

• Fatma MHIRI

• Aimen Dammak

• Faiza Safi

• Oumaima KHARDENI

• Faten DHOUIB

• Olfa chakroun-walha

  Emergency department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9224-7080

Introduction: Axillary trauma is a rare and complex injury that involves a high risk of vascular and nerve damage due to the concentration of critical structures in the axillary region. This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies in managing a severe axillary injury.

Case Presentation:  We present the case of a 70-year-old woman with no significant medical history, who sustained a penetrating axillary injury after a fall onto an iron bar. Upon arrival, the patient exhibited severe pain, absence of the left radial pulse, and neurological deficits in the left upper limb, suggesting significant vascular and nerve involvement. A CT angiogram confirmed injury to the brachial artery and axillary nerve. The patient underwent emergency surgery involving a multidisciplinary team approach, which included extraction of the foreign object, arterial repair, and decompression of the nerve. Postoperatively, she received prophylactic antibiotics and tetanus immunization. Her recovery was uneventful, with no major complications.

Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early recognition, a coordinated surgical approach, and comprehensive postoperative care in managing axillary trauma. Long-term follow-up is essential to assess functional recovery and mitigate the risk of chronic sequelae.

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