Understanding and Treating Iatrogenic Nerve... : Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (original) (raw)

Understanding and Treating Iatrogenic Nerve Injuries in Shoulder Surgery

Ranjan Gupta
Nilay A. Patel
Augustus D. Mazzocca
Anthony Romeo

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

(

)

e185

e192

March 1, 2020

| DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-18-00608

As surgical techniques and technology continue to advance in shoulder surgery along with the increased use of regional anesthesia, it is important to remember that iatrogenic nerve injuries remain a possible complication. Iatrogenic nerve injuries associated with shoulder surgery lead to patient disability and distress, increased healthcare costs, and possibly additional procedures. To obtain the best possible outcome for the patient after the nerve injury has been discovered, a timely appreciation of the management options is necessary rather than expectant management. Early recognition, appropriate neurodiagnostic testing, and prompt treatment or referral are mandatory for optimal outcomes.