A case of elbow hyperextension leading to complete brachial artery rupture

BACKGROUND To our knowledge there are no cases in the literature of traumatic vascular injury of the brachial artery by elbow hyperextension without elbow dislocation based on either clinical or radiological evidence. CASE PRESENTATION We present the first case of complete brachial artery rupture resulting from a hyperextension injury to an elbow, without dislocation. The history, early assessment and operative treatment with figures are presented. CONCLUSION We advocate prompt clinical assessment by orthopaedic and vascular teams and early surgical exploration and repair.