Musculocutaneous neuropathy after anaesthesia for thyroid surgery: a case report

Postoperative isolated injury of the musculocutaneous nerve is a rare disorder and complication. Reported cases are claimed to present with loss of biceps and brachialis power without neuropathic pain. When injury occurs to one of the terminal branches of the brachial plexus, the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm, pain is the major symptom and it typically radiates along the radial aspect of the forearm. In the literature, isolated lesions of the musculocutaneous nerve have been attributed to repeated microtrauma, indirect trauma or direct trauma to the nerve. It may also occur due to strenuous extension of the forearm for prolonged periods.