Nerve injury following ultrasound-guided nerve root block with 2% lidocaine for shoulder manipulation: a case report

Abstract

Shoulder manipulation under ultrasound (US)-guided C5 and C6 nerve root block is effective for treating refractory adhesive capsulitis (AC). We herein report the development of cervical nerve root injury following manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) in a patient with AC. A 47-year-old woman underwent shoulder manipulation under US-guided C5 and C6 root block with 2% lidocaine for the management of AC-induced shoulder pain. For the procedure, 3 mL of 2% lidocaine (total of 6 mL) was injected around each C5 and C6 nerve root under US guidance. Seven days after the procedure, the patient visited a university hospital because of severe neuropathic pain (numeric rating scale score of 9) in the right anterior arm, lateral arm, and forearm areas. Sensory deficits in the corresponding C5 and C6 dermatomes and motor weakness of the right shoulder abductor, elbow flexor, and wrist extensor were observed. Electrophysiologic studies demonstrated C5 and C6 nerve root injury. The patient was diagnosed with right C5 and C6 nerve root injury following MUA, and lidocaine toxicity or ischemia was the suspected cause. Clinicians should be mindful of the possibility of this complication.