Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks for Pain Relief and Breathing Safety in Shoulder Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying pain management methods for patients undergoing shoulder surgery, a common orthopedic procedure often linked with moderate to severe pain after surgery. The study compares two nerve block techniques the standard interscalene brachial plexus block, which can cause breathing difficulties due to unintended nerve effects, and a newer diaphragm-sparing method combining suprascapular and axillary nerve blocks. The goal is to assess pain relief and preserve respiratory function during recovery. Participants will receive one of two ultrasound-guided nerve block procedures before surgery. One group will have an interscalene block with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine injected near the C5 and C6 nerve roots. The other group will receive a combination of suprascapular and axillary nerve blocks, each with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine injected around specific nerves near the shoulder. Both procedures are designed to provide pain relief while minimizing breathing complications. During the study, participants pain intensity at rest and movement will be measured up to 24 hours after surgery, along with total opioid consumption. Respiratory function will be monitored by measuring diaphragmatic movement and lung volumes before and after the nerve blocks and throughout the perioperative period. The study includes adult patients aged 18 to 65 scheduled for elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery, with assessments focused on pain control and breathing safety.

Anterior Suprascapular and Axillary vs. Interscalene Block for Analgesia and Diaphragmatic Function in Shoulder Surgery