Aneurysms of the mid axillary artery in major league baseball pitchers--a report of two cases.

True aneurysms of the axillary artery and its branches are rarely identified. Our recent experience with successful repairs of symptomatic aneurysms of the axillary arteries at the origin of the circumflex humeral arteries in 2 major league baseball pitchers suggests a condition that may be more common than recognized previously. We report this unique experience with baseball pitchers to focus attention on a condition that should be considered in all athletes with hand pain, numbness, or signs of digital ischemia. In addition, a schedule of rehabilitation and the timing of an appropriate return to competition is presented.