Postoperative vision loss after reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Postoperative vision loss (POVL) is a rare but severe complication following certain surgical procedures.
• While documented in other orthopaedic surgeries, POVL has not been previously reported in the context of shoulder arthroplasty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of POVL in shoulder arthroplasty.
• To explore the potential link between regional blocks and POVL in this surgical setting.
• To highlight the importance of vigilance and preventative strategies for POVL.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing an event of POVL following shoulder arthroplasty.
• Discussion of the potential aetiology, focusing on risks associated with regional anaesthesia techniques.
• Review of existing literature on POVL in orthopaedic surgery.

Main Results:

• The study presents the first documented case of POVL in a patient undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.
• The patient experienced a full recovery with excellent functional outcome at 10 months postoperatively.
• The aetiology of POVL remains elusive, but regional blocks are discussed as a potential contributing factor.

Conclusions:

• POVL is a rare but devastating complication that requires heightened awareness in orthopaedic surgery, including shoulder arthroplasty.
• Preventative measures are crucial due to the limited curative treatment options for POVL.
• Early recognition and management are essential for optimal patient outcomes, as demonstrated by the patient's recovery.