Case Report and Literature Review: Post-Arthroscopy Pneumothorax with Anterior Decompression

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Pneumothorax is a rare but serious complication following shoulder arthroscopy.
• Emergency providers must be aware of this potential complication and its management.
• Post-arthroscopy pneumothorax can occur even in lower-risk patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of pneumothorax after shoulder arthroscopy.
• To describe a novel approach for chest tube decompression in this specific patient population.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing post-arthroscopy pneumothorax.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 60-year-old female with pneumothorax post-rotator cuff repair.
• Description of a novel chest tube decompression technique.
• Discussion of alternative anterior approach for decompression.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms of pneumothorax three hours after arthroscopic right rotator-cuff repair.
• A right-sided pneumothorax was identified.
• A potential novel approach to chest tube decompression was described.

Conclusions:

• Pneumothorax can occur post-arthroscopy in patients without typical risk factors.
• A modified chest tube placement technique may be beneficial for maintaining shoulder adduction.
• An alternative anterior approach for decompression should be considered in select cases.