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Parsonage-Turner syndrome after total-hip arthroplasty
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Pellenberg, Leuven, Belgium. Jean-Pierre.Simon@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|June 13, 2001
Summary
Parsonage-Turner syndrome, a rare nerve condition, can occur after total hip arthroplasty, causing severe shoulder pain and arm paralysis. This case highlights the importance of considering this syndrome in post-arthroplasty shoulder weakness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is an idiopathic inflammatory neuropathy characterized by acute onset of severe pain and subsequent muscle weakness.
- While PTS has been linked to various surgical interventions, its occurrence following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not previously documented.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old patient experienced acute, intense shoulder pain 48 hours post-THA, progressing to complete shoulder paralysis and significant arm weakness.
- The patient's recovery was protracted, with residual mild weakness persisting for seven years.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of Parsonage-Turner syndrome developing after total hip arthroplasty.
- The clinical presentation underscores the need to differentiate PTS from other potential post-surgical complications like brachial plexus traction injury or nerve compression.
Implications:
- Parsonage-Turner syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with shoulder pain and weakness after joint arthroplasty.
- Recognizing PTS is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and medicolegal considerations in the context of orthopedic surgery.