This 2012 JAAOS narrative review covers neuralgic amyotrophy (Parsonage-Turner syndrome) — an uncommon, idiopathic brachial plexus neuritis — summarizing its epidemiology, proposed immune and genetic mechanisms, clinical features, diagnostic workup, and management approach for the orthopedic clinician.
When a patient presents with acute, severe shoulder pain that transitions to flaccid weakness without trauma — especially following viral illness, surgery, or immunization — put neuralgic amyotrophy at the top of your differential before attributing it to a rotator cuff or cervical problem.
Confirm with EMG at 3–4 weeks, counsel patients on the protracted recovery timeline, and flag any patient with no regeneration signs by 6–9 months for surgical planning before the 1-year window closes.
This 2012 JAAOS narrative review covers neuralgic amyotrophy (Parsonage-Turner syndrome) — an uncommon, idiopathic brachial plexus neuritis — summarizing its epidemiology, proposed immune and genetic mechanisms, clinical features, diagnostic workup, and management approach for the orthopedic clinician.
When a patient presents with acute, severe shoulder pain that transitions to flaccid weakness without trauma — especially following viral illness, surgery, or immunization — put neuralgic amyotrophy at the top of your differential before attributing it to a rotator cuff or cervical problem.
Confirm with EMG at 3–4 weeks, counsel patients on the protracted recovery timeline, and flag any patient with no regeneration signs by 6–9 months for surgical planning before the 1-year window closes.