We present a case of an injury to the superficial branch of the radial nerve following unconscious radial artery cannulation in a 57-year-old gentleman for revision of lumbar spinal fusion. Nerve damage is a rare complication of this commonly used technique; whilst usually self-limiting, it can lead to a significant under-reported burden of morbidity on our patients. We discuss current norms of practice, questioning the safety of unconscious arterial cannulation, and suggest that, where possible, it should be performed in the conscious patient to minimise the risk of this rare complication.
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