Hypoesthesia of the Cutaneous Branch of Cervical Plexus after Shoulder Arthroscopy under General Anesthesia with Ultrasound Guided-Interscalene Block

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is associated with considerable postoperative pain [1,2]. Ultrasound guided-interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB), in conjunction with general anesthesia, is often used because it provides effective pain control [3]. Shoulder arthroscopy can be performed with the patient in either the lateral decubitus or beach chair position, according to the surgeon’s preference and based on their training [4]. Neurovascular injury has been rarely reported in both positions; however, the traction used in the lateral decubitus position can damage peripheral nerves and the brachial plexus, and compression and rotation of the head in both positions is a risk factor for neurovascular injury [5-7]. We present an uncommon case of hypoesthesia in the posterior and upper third of the superior area on the left ear auricle, after arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder in lateral position under general anesthesia with ultrasound guided-ISB.