Recurrent Thrombosis after Arterial Repair at the Wrist

Cho, Yong Hyun; Roh, Si Gyun; Lee, Nae Ho; Yang, Kyung Moo

Abstract

PURPOSE
Radial and ulnar arteries are two major arteries responsible for the blood supply of the hand. We experienced early recurrent thrombosis of ulnar artery after arteriorrhaphy in a patient with rupture of ulnar and radial arteries due to glass injury. Thus, we thought this would require reviews.
METHODS
41-year-old female patient was presented for the laceration of right wrist due to glass injury. Operative findings revealed the rupture of radial artery, ulnar artery, ulnar nerve and most of the flexor tendons. We performed three consecutive operations because of the recurrent arterial thrombosis in ulnar artery. Arteriorrhaphy was performed in each operation and the interpositional vein graft was performed in the final operation.
RESULTS
Consequently, doppler ultrasonography was performed on twentieth postoperative day and fair flow in the ulnar artery was visualized. Pathologic examination of the artery revealed no histopathologic abnormalities.
CONCLUSION
It is not a matter of ease to follow up the patients with rupture of radial or ulnar arteries. Obstruction of the repaired artery is also not easy to detect because it usually presents no definite symptoms. We could detect the obstruction of the artery following arteriorrhaphy with the doppler ultrasonography in less than a week postoperatively, and repeated operations were followed. We reviewed the causes and factors affecting the thrombosis and hereby report with literature review.