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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
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Peripheral neuropathies after shoulder arthroscopy: a systematic review.
Richard D J Smith1, Casey L Wright1, Brian Shaw2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques
|November 6, 2023
Summary
Peripheral neuropathies following shoulder arthroscopy are uncommon but can lead to lasting deficits. While many cases resolve, a significant portion may experience persistent symptoms, necessitating careful monitoring and prompt evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathies are rare complications following shoulder arthroscopy.
- While often resolving spontaneously, some cases result in permanent neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patients with peripheral neuropathies after shoulder arthroscopy.
- To review diagnostic methods, surgical interventions, and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted.
- Searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL for relevant English articles.
- Extracted data from 17 identified articles involving 91 patients.
Main Results:
- Rotator cuff repair was the most common procedure (62%).
- Neuropathies occurred a median of 80 days post-procedure, predominantly affecting median and ulnar nerves.
- 55% of neuropathies resolved, 14% improved, and 22% showed no improvement at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral neuropathies post-shoulder arthroscopy are rare but can have persistent symptoms.
- A high index of suspicion is crucial in the postoperative period.
- Prompt diagnostic workup and subspecialist referral are recommended for identified neurologic deficits.
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