Description
The presentation by Dr. Chye Yew Ng discusses the complexities and incidence of nerve injuries associated with shoulder dislocations and surgical procedures. Dr. Ng, an orthopedic surgeon, begins by expressing his fondness for the city where he trained, emphasizing the critical nature of understanding nerve injuries, particularly following trauma such as shoulder dislocations and surgical interventions. He provides insights into nerve injury recovery, suggesting that while many recover, the rates are inconsistent and can vary from under 1% to 57%.
Through his research involving a database of over 100 patients with nerve injuries stemming from anterior shoulder dislocations, he elaborates on diagnostic approaches, recommending MRIs for the shoulder rather than the brachial plexus. He highlights the importance of identifying and addressing associated injuries, such as greater tuberosity fractures, that could hinder functional recovery even if nerve damage resolves.
Dr. Ng presents statistical findings from his analyzed cases, underscoring that the commonest nerve injury is axillary nerve palsy, which shows an 80% recovery rate. However, injuries to the medial cord, affecting hand function, yield poor prognoses. The talk also addresses the significance of prompt intervention in addressing these injuries, along with the potential for specified surgical strategies and rehabilitation.
Towards the conclusion, Dr. Ng highlights the challenge of delayed referrals for iatrogenic injuries, as one-third of cases presented over a year after the index operation, affecting recovery outcomes. He emphasizes the need for timely assessment and intervention to improve patient recovery, advocating for a collaborative approach with local nerve services. The session ends with a Q&A, where Dr. Ng addresses inquiries about the anatomical basis for poor recovery in specific nerve injuries, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge in the field.