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Numbness and pain after Rotor Cuff Operation

Hi, i was just wondering if anyone would know if a nerve block i had for a shoulder operation could cause the issues im having with my shoulder and arm now, before i had only pain in my shoulder(rotor Cuff), after the operation and nerve block i had , i am still numb 6 mnths later, have burning feelings in whole arm, cannot turn wrist properly, fingers feel like they are "dead", limited use , all of this and im only 32 years old.  Any answers would be appreciated.  Thanks
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Avatar universal
I had rotator cuff surgery almost 3 months ago.  The surgery seems to have been successful, but it has left me with numbness and pain in my little and ring fingers, and also extreme pain in my forearm if I attempt some of the PT exercises.  The PT seems to think it is from a nerve in my neck.  The doctor thinks it's the ulnar nerve, possibly irritated by the long-term use of the sling after surgery.  It was a complication I never expected.  Like many of you, it doesn't seem like a rare thing to happen.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I had a nerve block 10/25/12 for rotator cuff surgery it was not in my neck but was in my left arm just below my shoulder my arm was numb down to my fingertips but the shoulder was thumping when i woke up it was numb for 24 hours now i have numbness in wrist and forearm where it is not numb it is a constant ache in that area i was not told about the possible side affects i dont think these are RARE OCCURANCES i think these are every time occurances that they dont tell you about
Helpful - 1
1137620 tn?1260734825
I had a rotor cuff operation by open surgery Sept 09 for a complete rupture of the tendon I had a nerve block in the neck whilst I was being put under so I did not experience any twitching of the arm. When I came round apart from vomiting which I now read should be reduced by having the block, it didn't? I further had my left hand frozen all as I would expect. As the effect wore off I too have been left with pain in my hand with reduced movement of my little and ring finger, and suffer pain down my forearm this is only 10 weeks ago but I am worried about the prognosis for sure, but amazed that I was never told of what seems common although we are led to believe it is a rare occurrence.This could severely cause me problems for future work, and think that some redress my be in order.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Hi I've had a nerve block for a shoulder reconstruction in the past, the effects of the nerve block were short lived and only a 12 hr block for pain relief, from what your saying I would definatly go for a 2nd opinion as by now the numbness (post surgery) should be setteling.  You say you are experiencing a burning sensation down your arm, problems  with your fingers  and having trouble turning  your wrist.   I have  had  continuous and constant chronic  pain which is not relayed back to the nerve  block but due to other complications causing  permanent nerve damage. I to was reffered to a  pain clinic and  was an inpatient for about 3 weeks and I still  continue at the clinic as an outpatient for just  over 2 1/2yrs now. I  would personally take the  time if I was you, to research both orthopaedic  shoulder specialists and  proffesors of  neuorology. Hope the pain clinic helps you!
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
Hi there , I was just wondering how your shoulder is doing now and how did you get over with that hurdle ? This is my 4 months post op partial rotator cuff. I feel like there's  a numbness on my joint and very irritating feeling. Range of motion also not good and struggle to raise my hand above 90 degree. I am schedule to have Crostione shot next week that was recommended by second Surgeon. I would be happy if you could share your experiences. Thanx !
Avatar universal
I had rotor cup surgery in my right arm back in 2011 I caught an infection after the first surgery while operating the second time to remove the infection some nerves were severed in 2016 I started having numbness in my right arm and hand at night while I sleep only when I sleep it scares me so much I'm afraid to sleep  is this related to my rotor cup surgery
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm 8 weeks post op for rotator cuff and had nerve block. Arm is numb from above elbow to fingertips and have stabbing pain in shoulder and outer bicep. Also have pain radiating to fingers and a 90% loss of grip. I think there's alot not explained before surgery.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I forgot to add - nerve block did stay for 2 weeks, and shoulder after 3 months very good, but I feel my hand is maimed for life - wrist and hand and fingers swollen and hand hot, fingers tips feel half numb, strength test 5 versa 20 in good hand  - despite going therapy all the time it is not getting a hair better.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
This makes me sad for you and very worried for my own numb hand.
This makes me sad for you and very worried for my own numb hand.
Avatar universal
It is 3months since rotator cuff torn and large biceps torn operation . My hand was numb and not swollen for weeks, then swelling started and increased . Despite much exercising fingers and hand feel tired and weak joints hurt when stressed and have limited movement. Hand specialist diagnosed RSD. Is it hopelessly damaged by operation?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had rotator cuff surgery April of this year. The nerve block they intended to give me in my neck/collar bone region was botched. I am not sure what happened as I was out but was told it was not successful. Since my surgery I have very tight neck muscles that have caused issues with my pt. I also have nerve damage to the left side of my face. The nerve damage is most noticeable in my smile & left eye. My smile is crooked as the left side of my mouth will not raise when I smile & my left eye looks as if it has dropped. They are not major issues but it is something that has bothered me since my recovery started. I am considering cortisone shots so that the muscle in my neck and shoulder region can relax and possibly allow me more movement  with my right arm & shoulder. I am hoping with time the nerve damage to my face will subside. With all of this said I am in better shape than I was before the surgery just not 100% like I hoped I'd be.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had the nerve block/rotator surgery in June - it was great!  But here it is December and I have numbness in ring and pinky finger (occasionally) but, a throbbing ache in my upper arm on the outside.  I haven't been able to regain my strength and have a terrible time sleeping because of it.  I did a nerve test yesterday and the neurologist said the ulnar nerve was a 5 on the right side (surgery side) and 15 on the left.  It is very frustrating.  It seems I exchanged one hurt for another....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Mark, thanks for the response, they do nerve blocks on a rotor cuff operation because they say the pain is immence, i tore 2 ligaments , partial and full thickness tears, they give you the nerve block in your neck by your collarbone, they only way they know if they have it right is when your arm starts jumping up and down, wierd feeling.  I have talked to a few people who have had htem done and they are not totally happy with them, i started at a pain clinic today and i am seeing a special team of pain clinic people next week, and am getting a second opinion form a top shoulder surgeon, hopefully they can help me out and either resolve the issue or make it more comfy.

Once again thanks for the response.

Kiwi
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I not a neurologist, but it seems that the two could definitely be related.  Why did they do a nerve block there?  I've had them for lower back pain, but didn't know they coul;d do them in that region.  Why didn't they just do surgery on the rotator cuff?  Did you tear it?  The good thing about nerve blocks in your case is that they typically only last 6 months - 2 years, so it is probably not a permanent condition, even though 6 months is a long time for your condition.  Do you know if nerve blocks can be "reversed"?  Very interesting situation...

Mark
Helpful - 0

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