Ulnar Neuropathy as a Complication of Prone Positioning Following Retinal Detachment Surgery
Abstract
Background: In vitrectomy performed for retinal detachment, a gas bubble tamponade may be placed to ensure adequate approximation and closure of the retina. Although not included in clinical guidelines, maintaining a face-down position for several days or even weeks after surgery may help the gas bubble settle against the retina. The duration of the face-down positioning varies depending on the retinal pathology, the type of gas used, and the surgeon’s preference. Maintaining a continuous face-down position is quite difficult for patients. Therefore, they may adopt sitting or lying positions with their heads supported on a table. However, this may lead to certain ischemic and thrombotic complications. Unfortunately, clinicians are often unaware of or tend to overlook these risks.
Case Presentation: Herein, we report a case of ulnar neuropathy that developed as a result of prolonged prone positioning following retinal detachment surgery, in order to raise awareness of this potential complication.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences (Other)
Journal Section
Case Report
Publication Date
May 1, 2026
Submission Date
October 20, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 20, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 1