Axillary artery occlusion by distal biceps tendon avulsion leading to compartment syndrome in the arm: A rare case report

Abstract

Compartment syndrome is a severe injury that poses a serious threat to both limbs and life. Early diagnosis and prompt management are crucial to preventing complications. This is a case report of a 49-year-old male who presented to the emergency room after a road traffic accident, suffering from compartment syndrome in the right arm and forearm. Radiological examination revealed a fracture of the inferior pole of the glenoid. He underwent an emergency fasciotomy for the right upper arm and forearm. During the surgery, it was discovered that the biceps tendon had become avulsed from the bicipital tuberosity and had migrated into the axilla, causing compression of the axillary vessels. This is a rare case occurrence, with only few other instance of distal biceps tendon injury resulting in compartment syndrome in the arm and forearm known so far.

Keywords

• Compartment syndrome
• Arm
• Biceps tendon avulsion