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High BMI linked to greater risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy after shoulder arthroscopy
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Results published in Arthroscopy showed patients with a higher median weight and BMI who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery had an increased risk of developing lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy.
Konrad I. Gruson, MD, and colleagues recorded demographic and surgical data from 397 patients who underwent either open or arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach chair position. At the initial postoperative visit, researchers prospectively recorded lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy symptoms, which were identified clinically by focal pain, numbness or tingling over the anterolateral thigh.
Results showed 1.3% of patients developed lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy. Researchers found a significant correlation between lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy with patient weight and BMI. Patients were significantly more likely to develop lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy if they had a BMI greater than 30, according to a subgroup analysis. All cases resolved completely within 6 months.
“In our study, we found that while the prevalence of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) palsy following shoulder surgery was relatively low, obesity was a significant risk factor for its occurrence. Furthermore, all of the cases resolved within 6 months,” Gruson told Healio.com/Orthopedics. “We feel that obese patients who are scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery should be informed of the risk for LFCN palsy and its expected resolution should it occur.” – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure s : The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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