Neurovascular Complications in Elbow Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of 5,767 Cases

Neurovascular injuries are rare but potentially serious complications in elbow arthroscopy. Literature is limited to case reports and small, retrospective series. The exact incidence of neurovascular following arthroscopy currently unknown. purpose the current study was systematically review literature determine rate arthroscopic procedures. A comprehensive search performed according Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central databases. All original English-language studies at least five patients reporting were included. Case examining open procedures, arthroscopic-assisted arthroscopies with concomitant procedure excluded. Demographic data, operative indications, recorded. Neurologic further classified as minor if transient or major they required microsurgical repair resulted permanent deficit. There 88 including 5,767 5,649 that met inclusion criteria. Males comprised 50.3% cohort (n=2,844) mean age 31.3 years (range 6-90). Mean postoperative follow-up 17.2 months 1-192). most common surgical indication contracture (n=1,001; 16.0%) followed by primary arthritis (n=619; 10.7%). total complication found be 5.0% (n=290) 126 (2.2%) adverse events nerve (0.1%) consisting three ulnar two median lacerations. palsy (n=46) delayed-onset neuropathy (n=33) radial (n=19). frequently reported non-neurovascular superficial infection persistent portal drainage (n=38). no vascular complications, compartment syndrome. Major during Furthermore, majority neurologic transient. commonly affected all undergoing should examined an unstable scar suggesting previous transposition.