Greater Auricular Nerve Palsy After Arthroscopic Anterior-Inferior and Posterior-Inferior Labral Tear Repair Using Beach-Chair Positioning and a Standard Universal Headrest

Shoulder arthroscopy is a common treatment for numerous different pathologies. An iatrogenic nerve injury that occurs during shoulder arthroscopy is more common than previously recognized. However, though many nerve pathologies are increasingly being recognized, reported cases of greater auricular nerve injury are limited. For instance, a case of greater auricular nerve palsy was reported in only 2 series that used a horseshoe headrest. One set of authors discontinued and recommended against use of this headrest, and the other recommended a headrest redesign.

Here we report on a case of greater auricular nerve palsy that occurred after the patient’s anterior-inferior and posterior-inferior labral tear was arthroscopically repaired using beach-chair positioning and a standard universal headrest. The palsy resulted in numbness and dysesthesia, which lessened gradually over 3 months after surgery and was completely resolved by 6 months.