In this video, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Don Buford discusses a previous anesthesia complication with a patient who is preparing for right shoulder surgery to repair a SLAP lesion and a rotator cuff tear.
Because the patient previously underwent rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder, he shares his experience with an interscalene nerve block administered during that procedure. While the nerve block initially worked well and his surgical pain subsided after two days, he subsequently developed a prolonged neurological complication.
The patient describes experiencing a persistent "asleep" feeling, numbness, and tingling across multiple areas of his left arm, including:
- The outside of his arm
- Most of his forearm
- His middle, ring, and pinky fingers
- A significant portion of his palm
This complication lasted for approximately six months. His previous surgical team did not prescribe any specific medications or interventions, reassuring him that the issue would eventually resolve on its own and noting that while uncommon, such nerve issues are not unheard of.
The patient expresses that the extended period of numbness was highly uncomfortable and causing him anxiety, prompting him to request alternative anesthesia options from Dr. Buford to avoid going through the same experience during his upcoming right shoulder surgery.
Questions about this treatment
- What complication is discussed in this patient testimonial?
- The testimonial discusses a prolonged neurological complication following an interscalene nerve block used during the patient's previous left rotator cuff surgery.
- What symptoms did the patient experience after the nerve block?
- The patient described persistent numbness, tingling, and an asleep sensation affecting areas of the left arm, forearm, fingers, and palm.
- How long did the patient's neurological symptoms last?
- The patient reported that the numbness and related neurological symptoms lasted approximately six months.
- Why was the patient discussing alternative anesthesia options?
- The patient was preparing for right shoulder surgery and wanted to discuss alternative anesthesia options because of his previous prolonged experience following an interscalene nerve block.
- What shoulder conditions was the patient preparing to have treated?
- The patient was preparing for right shoulder surgery to repair a SLAP lesion and a rotator cuff tear.
- Who discusses the patient's case?
- The case is discussed by Don Buford, MD, orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine expert at Texas Orthobiologics in Dallas, Texas.
Every patient is different, and a video is not a promise of the same result. If you want to know whether an orthobiologic or surgical option fits your own injury, that starts with an exam and imaging — not a video.
