Postoperative pectoral swelling after shoulder arthroscopy.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Fluid extravasation is a frequent complication during shoulder arthroscopy, potentially increasing compartment pressures, especially with infusion pumps.
• Elevated compartment pressure can affect adjacent muscles and surrounding tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of pectoral swelling resulting from fluid extravasation after shoulder arthroscopy.
• To document a previously unreported complication of this surgical procedure.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 24-year-old male patient undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation.
• The surgery was performed in the beach chair position and lasted two hours.
• Postoperative assessment included physical examination and chest radiography.

Main Results:

• The patient developed left pectoral swelling immediately after the shoulder arthroscopy.
• Chest radiography revealed no abnormalities, suggesting the swelling was localized and not indicative of a pneumothorax or other major thoracic issue.
• This presentation of pectoral swelling due to fluid extravasation was not previously documented in the literature.

Conclusions:

• Pectoral swelling can occur as a result of fluid extravasation during shoulder arthroscopy.
• This case expands the known spectrum of complications associated with shoulder arthroscopy, particularly in the beach chair position.
• Awareness of this potential complication is important for surgeons performing shoulder arthroscopy.