Nerve Injury after Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: We've Got a Bad Connection

Neurologic injury is a rare complication of total shoulder arthroplasty. Extreme positioning of the upper extremity during preparation of the humerus and the glenoid has been shown to stretch the brachial plexus and direct injury to nerves within the surgical field has also been reported. An understanding of the relevant anatomy and protective surgical techniques will allow the surgeon to safely perform this procedure and reduce the likelihood of neurologic injury.