Shoulder arthroscopy and nerve injury: pitfalls and prevention

Shoulder arthroscopy has become a very useful diagnostic and therapeutic modality. Unfortunately, like many other invasive procedures it can have complications. One of the most worrisome complications, for both the patient and surgeon, is that of nerve injury. Nerve injury during shoulder arthroscopy is often a transient phenomenon although a more severe injury has been documented. We review much of the literature on this subject and discuss some of the many pitfalls and preventative strategies that have been reported.