Unilateral hypoglossal neurapraxia following endotracheal intubation for total shoulder arthroplasty.

A case is described of postoperative right hypoglossal neurapraxia after general anesthesia and interscalene block with endotracheal intubation for left total shoulder arthroplasty. Postoperative hypoglossal neurapraxia has been reported in cases, yet it remains a rare complication of anesthesia-related interventions. In this case report, postulated causes of hypoglossal neurapraxia are presented. A review of the literature pertaining to anesthesia-related causes of hypoglossal nerve injury is included. Anesthesia providers should be aware of the course of cranial nerve XII as it relates to the position of the head and neck and use of airway instrumentation. In suspected cases of hypoglossal neurapraxia, conservative therapeutic interventions may be warranted.