Acute Median Neuropathy after Subdermal Contraceptive Implant Removal

Abstract

The contraceptive implant is an effective and well-established method of contraception. A 43-year-old woman presented with paresthesia and weakness of left hand. Symptoms began 3 weeks ago, immediately after removal of a contraceptive device in the left arm. A nerve conduction study showed proximal median neuropathy, and ultrasonography revealed focal swelling of the median nerve at the level of removal. Although nerve damage is a rare complication, special care should be taken to avoid nerve injury during removal procedure.