Perioperative peripheral nerve injury is a serious yet preventable perioperative complication.
Since the inception of the American Association of Anesthesiologists Closed Claim
Project, the incidence of peripheral nerve injury has remained constant with an overall
reported prevalence rate of 15% to 16%. To date, the most frequent nerve injuries
are ulnar nerve neuropathy and brachial plexus injury. This article will review the
clinical presentation, pathophysiology, causative and risks factors, and preventive
measures for the two most common nerve injuries. Knowledge of the anatomical structures
and components of peripheral nerves prone to injuries during surgery can assist in
defining precautionary actions in the perioperative setting. Positioning techniques
in the operating room, early recognition of neuropathies, and use of a perioperative
tool in the postoperative setting are keys to reduce significant clinical complications.
Keywords
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Biography
Barbara J. Duffy, MSNA, CRNA, Austin Anesthesiology Group, Austin, Texas
Biography
Tito D. Tubog, DNAP, CRNA, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX
Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 14, 2017
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
