What Researchers Did
Researchers described two rare instances of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) in the arm following shoulder arthroscopy surgery.
What They Found
Out of 10,452 shoulder arthroscopies performed over a ten-year period, two patients developed arm thrombosis. One of these two patients also experienced bilateral pulmonary microembolism (small blood clots in the lungs). These complications occurred despite the absence of common risk factors like cancer, thrombophilia, or smoking.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy should be aware that deep vein thrombosis, though rare, can occur, typically within three weeks after surgery. Surgeons should consider this potential complication to assess the need for anticoagulant treatment.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
As a case report describing only two patients, this study cannot establish the overall frequency or definitive causes of deep vein thrombosis after shoulder arthroscopy.