American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What blood vessel is endangered in an elbow dislocation?

1. Radial artery

2. Brachial artery

3. Ulnar artery

4. Axillary artery

The correct answer is: Brachial artery

In cases of elbow dislocation, the brachial artery is particularly vulnerable due to its anatomical location. The brachial artery runs in close proximity to the medial side of the elbow joint, and when a dislocation occurs, the ligaments supporting the joint can tear, leading to potential stretch or compression of the artery. Moreover, the displacement of bone fragments during a dislocation can further threaten the integrity of the brachial artery, potentially leading to significant vascular injury if not promptly identified and managed. While other arteries such as the radial and ulnar arteries also facilitate blood supply to the arm, they are generally located more distally and are less susceptible to damage from an anterior or posterior dislocation of the elbow. The axillary artery, on the other hand, is located above the region of the elbow and not typically at risk during an injury at this joint. This positioning and relationship to the elbow joint is what makes the brachial artery the key vessel at risk during such an injury.