Parsonage-Turner syndrome after total-hip arthroplasty.

A 68-year-old patient developed Parsonage-Turner syndrome after total hip arthroplasty. There was an acute onset of intense pain in the shoulder 48 hours after surgery followed by complete paralysis of the shoulder and almost complete loss of strength in the arm. Recovery was slow, and mild weakness persisted 7 years after the operation. Parsonage-Turner syndrome has been associated with various surgical procedures but has not been reported after total hip arthroplasty. For medicolegal reasons, it should be distinguished from a traction injury of the brachial plexus or compression of the radial or ulnar nerve resulting from positioning of the patient. Parsonage-Turner syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient describes pain or weakness in the shoulder after joint arthroplasty.