British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol 75, Issue 5 642-644, Copyright © 1995 by The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia
K. A. Eggers and T. Asai
We describe a case of idiopathic postoperative brachial plexus neuropathy.
A 68-yr-old man underwent elective total knee replacement under spinal
anaesthesia. Two days after surgery, there was sensory loss and weakness in
the right forearm and hand, which suggested an ulnar nerve neuropathy. Two
weeks later the patient complained of a dull ache between the scapulae,
followed by a burning sensation in the forearm and severe pain in the
elbow. A diagnosis of brachial plexus neuropathy was made based on clinical
examination and nerve conduction studies. The pain disappeared after a few
months, although weakness of the right arm persisted 9 months later. The
differential diagnosis between brachial plexus neuropathy and ulnar nerve
neuropathy is important, as the prognosis of brachial plexus neuropathy is
generally good.
CASE REPORTS
Postoperative brachial plexus neuropathy after total knee replacement under spinal anaesthesia
Department of Anaesthetics and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XW
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