Subcutaneous emphysema after shoulder arthroscopy. A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) and pneumomediastinum are rare complications after shoulder arthroscopy. A case is presented in which SE was seen after arthroscopic cuff repair. A review of current literature shows that SE after shoulder arthroscopy can be due to loco-regional anaesthesiology, endotracheal intubation, gas-forming infection, postoperative mobilisation or the arthroscopic procedure itself. During the procedure air can be sucked into the subacromial space due to suction and subsequently transferred into subcutaneous tissue by the positive pressure of the infusion pump. When the condition is recognised early and addressed properly spontaneous resolving is possible with good clinical outcome.