Upper-extremity deep-vein thrombosis after anterior shoulder dislocation and closed reduction. A case report.

he shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints in the body, accounting for nearly 45% of all dislocations. Approximately 85% of glenohumeral dislocations are anterior, and they are typically the result of an acute traumatic event. Typically, these injuries involve disruption of the anterior aspect of the glenoid labrum, joint capsule, or rotator cuff tendons; associated fracture of the glenoid rim or proximal part of the humerus is not uncommon. Neurovascular injury is infrequent, and few studies have addressed associated venous complications. Although deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremity is a rare entity, major thromboembolic complications, including symptomatic and fatal pulmonary embolism, have been documented in the upper extremity. Recently, deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity has been recognized as a potential complication after shoulder surgery. Prompt diagnosis and early intervention are generally recommended to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. Although the treatment of deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity remains controversial, recent evidence suggests that systemic anticoagulation, local thrombolytic therapy, and surgical thrombectomy may limit the risk of thromboembolic complications. To the best of our knowledge, deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity complicating a traumatic dislocation of the shoulder has not been previously described. Our patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication.