Acute tear of the rotator cuff masked by simultaneous palsy of the brachial plexus. A case report.

Orthopaedic surgeons perform a variety of procedures where life-threatening or limb-threatening clinical scenarios or complications are relatively rare. Because these devastating complications and disaster presentations are infrequent, the occurrence can lead to concerns regarding training and preparedness. This chapter will provide a general knowledge base of common intraoperative disasters as well as life-threatening and/or limb-threatening conditions related to the upper extremity, pelvis, and lower extremity. Fundamental clinical and surgical management strategies are explored with respect to these conditions to provide a level of preparedness to help any orthopaedic surgeon control a potentially devastating complication or emergency.