Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Mar 2011
A prospective analysis of interscalene brachial plexus blocks performed under general anesthesia.
The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of interscalene brachial plexus block anesthesia when performed on patients who were anesthetized with a general anesthetic prior to the performance of the block. ⋯ Our study results suggest that the rates of success and complications associated with the performance of interscalene block regional anesthesia performed after induction of general anesthesia are similar to the results demonstrated in prior studies in which brachial plexus block was performed on nonanesthetized patients. Although significant complications were not common, this procedure is not without risk and can result in long-term neurologic complications.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Mar 2011
The suprascapular nerve and its articular branch to the acromioclavicular joint: an anatomic study.
The suprascapular nerve and its articular branch innervate the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Documenting the detailed anatomy of this innervation in the AC joint, including the pertinent surgical and anatomic relationships of the suprascapular nerve and its branches to the AC joint, will aid in the prevention of injury and the reduction of risk of denervation during shoulder surgery. ⋯ The sensory branch of the suprascapular nerve runs superiorly to the supraspinatus muscle towards the AC joint. The detailed information can be used to help decrease the risk of nerve injury during shoulder surgery and to aid in effectively diagnosing and treating AC joint-related disorders.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jan 2011
Comparative StudyA comparison of perioperative outcomes in patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis after receiving a total shoulder replacement arthroplasty.
The long-term survival rate of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is comparable to hip and knee arthroplasty. Although TSA is considered a safe and effective procedure with low complications in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), data are lacking on perioperative complications. Complication rates and hospital disposition differences between patients with and without RA who underwent TSA were investigated. We hypothesized that RA patients would have poorer perioperative outcomes after TSA. ⋯ The findings suggest that the perioperative complications of a total shoulder replacement for patients with and without RA are similar. Contrary to our expectations, TSA patients with RA had shorter and less costly hospital stays and were more likely to have routine discharge. Complications are likely more long-term in nature than detected in this study and require longer follow-up beyond perioperative periods for fruition.