After robotic surgery to repair the lateral collateral ligament, a 38-year-old plumber has severe arm pain with atrophy; most likely diagnosis?

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Nerve injury from surgical positioning can occur when the brachial plexus is stretched or compressed during upper-extremity procedures. The brachial plexus supplies the arm, so traction or compression can cause intense postoperative arm pain and muscle wasting due to denervation, which fits the scenario after a robotic elbow ligament repair. Adhesive capsulitis would mainly cause shoulder stiffness and limited range of motion rather than early severe pain with atrophy. Tendinopathy produces localized tendon pain without denervation-related atrophy, and complex regional pain syndrome typically presents with disproportionately severe pain and autonomic changes rather than direct nerve injury patterns.