What causes tremor in hand after a shoulder joint replacement?
Patient: My husband is 61 and had right shoulder joint replacement surgery six months ago, after a work-related injury he suffered five years ago. Immediately after surgery he noticed a tremor in his right arm. He will notice it when he is cooking and trying to slice something or when he uses his computer mouse or tries to play his guitar. He just saw a neurologist today and he said no Parkinson s or anything like that. He is thinking maybe something with the brain from anesthesia during the surgery and wants to do a brain MRI now. Can this tremor be caused from the surgery? He never had any tremor until right after the surgery and it s not in his other hand, legs, etc. Doctor: Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.  I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. It might be possible during surgery any nerve might have been damaged at the level of brachial plexus (it a network of nerve). Due to which there has been weakness in his arm which shows it elf s a tremor while doing strenuous or any fine motor activity. You can contact physiotherapist as in physiotherapy there is a machine called as muscle stimulator which can help in strengthening of muscles and prevent muscle wasting. Along with exercises like (strengthening and active movements) of shoulder, this condition can be taken care of. Hope you will find the answer useful. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards, Dr. Harsh Swarup