Abstract
We review the literature on complication of arthroscopic shoulder surgery and their
management. Computer data based searches were used to identify articles regarding
complications of shoulder arthroscopy, as well as hand searches of Arthroscopy and Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery over the last decade. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery has become a popular therapeutic
and diagnostic procedure during the past two decades. As with all interventions complications
can occur which require recognition and management by the orthopedic surgeon. While
the literature is helpful with identifying types of complications, establishing the
rate of these complications remains elusive. These complications can be divided into
general complications, complications generic to all shoulder procedures, and complications
specific to the type of procedure performed. General complications such as infection
and anesthesia problems continue to show low incidences. Shoulder arthroscopy presents
increased risk of complications over knee arthroscopy in regard to vascular and neurologic
injury, fluid extravasation, stiffness, iatrogenic tendon injury, and equipment failure.
New techniques of increased complexity for subacromial surgery, rotator cuff repair,
and arthroscopic instability present new problems related to implant failure, nerve
injury, iatrogenic fracture, and capsular necrosis. While the rate of complications
especially with newer procedures remain elusive, most studies suggest that the rate
is low, 5.8-9.5% in all recent review studies published. Underreporting complications
makes assessment of incidence rates of complication difficult. Proper patient selection,
attention to operative detail, and careful post-operative monitoring can minimize
the morbidity associated with these complications.
Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 2 (February,
Suppl 1), 2002: pp 88–95
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Article info
Footnotes
☆Address correspondence to Stephen C. Weber, M.D., Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, 2801 K St. #310, Sacramento, CA 95816, U.S.A. E -mail: [email protected]
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Copyright
© 2002 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
