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Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
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Change in neck circumference after shoulder arthroscopy: An observational study
Shrividya Chellam1, Sheetal Chiplonkar1, Ketaki Pathak1
1Department of Anaesthesia, BARC Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
|July 22, 2015
Summary
Shoulder arthroscopy can cause neck swelling, potentially leading to airway issues. A neck circumference increase under 4 cm generally indicates no airway compromise, even with significant swelling.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Shoulder arthroscopy utilizes fluid irrigation, which can induce soft-tissue edema in the neck and chest.
- Postoperative airway complications are a concern following shoulder arthroscopy due to this edema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of increased neck circumference during shoulder arthroscopy.
- To assess the correlation between neck circumference changes and airway complications.
Main Methods:
- A study of 32 patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia with interscalene block.
- Measurement of neck circumference pre- and post-procedure, and assessment of airway patency via endotracheal tube cuff leak test.
Main Results:
- Thirty of 32 patients had a positive air leak test, with an average neck circumference increase of 1.17 cm.
- Two patients with negative air leak tests showed significant neck circumference increases (4.5 cm and 6.4 cm) and were not extubated.
- Intraoperative hypertension was identified as a predictor for increased neck circumference.
Conclusions:
- An increase in neck circumference exceeding 4 cm may indicate potential airway compromise.
- Neck circumference increases below 4 cm suggest that airway compromise is unlikely, despite soft-tissue edema.

