Neurologic complications of shoulder joint replacement

Little attention has been given to neurologic complications after shoulder joint replacement (SJR). Previously thought to occur infrequently, it is likely that many are not clinically recognized, and they can result in postoperative morbidity and impair the patient's recovery. The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of nerve complications after SJR, to identify the nerves involved, and to define patient outcomes.

This was a retrospective review of 211 SJRs in 202 patients during a 5-year period were included, with 89 male and 122 female patients at an average age of 70 years. All patients underwent a comprehensive analysis of any postoperative nerve complication, including onset, duration, investigation, treatment, and symptom resolution.

Of the 211 SJR procedures, 44 were identified as having sustained a nerve complication (20.9%), with 36 female (81.8%) and 8 male patients (18.2%). Reverse SJR was associated with the highest number of nerve complications. The median nerve (25 patients) and musculocutaneous nerve (8 patients) were most commonly involved. Most nerve complications were transient and resolved within 6 months. Permanent sequelae and injuries that required secondary surgical intervention were rare.

The occurrence of nerve complications after SJR is common, but almost all will fully recover. Most are transient neurapraxias involving the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. Women are more likely to be affected, as are patients who have undergone prior surgery to the affected shoulder. Most are likely to be the result of excessive traction or direct injury to the nerves during glenoid exposure.