Extensive subcutaneous emphysema complicating a percutaneous Mumford procedure

Subcutaneous emphysema may be a part of a life-threatening pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax and usually does not occur alone. A case of a 75-year-old lady who underwent a percutaneous Mumford procedure for acromioclavicular osteoarthrosis has been reported. She developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, chest, bilateral shoulders, and upper arms, in the absence of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax, during the procedure. Isolated subcutaneous emphysema as a complication of a percutaneous Mumford procedure has not been reported so far in the English literature. The possible mechanism of this complication is discussed. Understanding the mechanism is essential in avoiding this preventable complication.