Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is generally associated with a low complication rate. While complications such as neurological injury, stiffness and iatrogenic damage are relatively well recognised, the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly of the upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT), is exceedingly rare. We report two unusual postoperative cases of UEDVT following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in two elderly sisters. No additional predisposing factors were identified beyond the perioperative setting; thrombophilia screening was negative. These cases underscore the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for thromboembolic events even in low-risk patients and in procedures not typically associated with DVT.