Athletes are susceptible to a variety of vascular injuries, yet clinical presentation may be subtle and the extent of injury underestimated.
Objective: To evaluate Stanford University's experience with the diagnosis and management of vascular injuries incurred during athletic competition.
Methods: Between June 1994 and June 2001, 29 patients with athletic competition-related vascular injuries were treated by our service. Clinical presentation, type of athletic competition, location of injury, type of therapy, and degree of rehabilitation were analyzed.
Results: Mean patient age was 23.8 years. In total, 17 arterial and 12 venous injuries were treated. Arterial injuries consisted of 8 axillary or subclavian branch artery aneurysms with embolization, 6 popliteal artery injuries, and 3 external iliac artery injuries. Subclavian vein thrombosis (SVT) accounted for all venous complications. Sixteen (94%) patients with arterial injuries required surgical repair. Fifteen reconstructions maintained primary patency with a mean follow-up of 43.9 months. All patients with SVT received lytic therapy and anticoagulation. Eight of these (67%) required thoracic outlet decompression and venolysis. All patients with SVT have remained stable without further venous thrombosis.
Conclusion: Athletes are susceptible to vascular injuries that may not be easily recognized. However, a high index of suspicion, appropriate imaging, and prompt treatment allow athletes to return to competition in most cases.