Shoulder Arthroscopy

Failure and Complication Rates in Common Sports and Arthroscopic Procedures: Reality Check

“…Although brief, this review gives the sports medicine orthopedic surgeon an updated overview of the failure rates and complications associated with the most common procedures. Awareness of complications is the first step toward preventative measures, recognizing diagnostic signs and symptoms, and learning how to manage these complications emergently 25. The general public may view minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures as low risk, but bringing awareness to the potential hazards is critical, and our expectation is that further investigation is necessary to define and minimize these risks in the future.…”

“…They also noted a reoperation rate of 0.8% and readmission in 1.0% of cases 1. Another large study25 reported on infections after shoulder arthroscopy and found that superficial infections occurred in 0.16% of patients and deep infection in 0.01%. The rate of deep infection was noted to increase to 1.9% in cases that were converted from arthroscopic to open 25 .…”

“…The rate of deep infection was noted to increase to 1.9% in cases that were converted from arthroscopic to open 25 . Cutibacterium acnes is recognized as the most common pathogen and may colonize up to 72% of patients 25. Transient nerve palsy in the upper extremity is estimated to occur in 3% to 20% of cases and is more common in the lateral decubitus position.…”

“…Another large study25 reported on infections after shoulder arthroscopy and found that superficial infections occurred in 0.16% of patients and deep infection in 0.01%. The rate of deep infection was noted to increase to 1.9% in cases that were converted from arthroscopic to open 25 . Cutibacterium acnes is recognized as the most common pathogen and may colonize up to 72% of patients 25.…”

“…Sciatic, cutaneous cervical plexus, and hypoglossal nerve palsies are more likely to occur in the beach chair position. Nerve palsies can be diminished with the proper use of an axillary roll, limiting arm traction weight, padding of all bony prominences, and proper cervical, hip, and knee positioning 25…”