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Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Pneumothorax after Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Case Report
Abstract:
Shoulder arthroscopy is an increasingly common procedure. Pneumothorax post-shoulder arthroscopy is a rare complication. Our aim is to highlight a case report of pneumothorax post-shoulder arthroscopy and to conduct a literature review to evaluate the possible risk factors. We report the case of a 75-year-old male non-smoker, who underwent right shoulder arthroscopy without regional anaesthesia in the left lateral position and subsequently suffered a pneumothorax post-operatively. A PubMed Medline and Cochrane database search was carried out, and 32 articles were identified and thoroughly reviewed. Overall, among the articles that propose a mechanism, 75% (9/12) consider the pathogenesis to be multifactorial. The exact mechanism is currently unknown. Awareness of this complication and timely recognition are important to prevent life-threatening sequelae. Surgeons should maintain a low threshold for obtaining diagnostic plain radiographs in the event of clinical suspicion.
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