Nerve injury associated with shoulder surgery

SummaryAlthough generally low, the risk of damage to nerves in the operative field during shoulder surgery still exists. These complications usually occur following surgery for anterior shoulder instability or joint replacement. The risk can be minimized by careful patient positioning, applying a detailed knowledge of shoulder anatomy to the approach and awareness of ‘safe-zones’. Certain manoeuvres should be undertaken during the procedure to displace nerves from the operative field. If these measures are incorporated into routine practice, the risk of intraoperative nerve injury will be significantly reduced.