Shoulder Anterior Capsular Block Versus Combined Suprascapular and Axillary Nerve Blocks for Postoperative Pain Relief in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Shoulder pain often results from rotator cuff tears and can significantly affect quality of life and delay rehabilitation. This research compares two types of regional anaesthesia blocks to manage postoperative pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. The study aims to evaluate the analgesic effect of a newer ultrasound-guided shoulder anterior capsular block (SHAC) against the combined suprascapular and axillary nerve blocks (SSNB-ANB), which are commonly used and known for effective pain relief but with some drawbacks like motor block and diaphragm issues. The SHAC block targets all nerves supplying the shoulder consistently at two sites, aiming to spare motor function and allow early movement and rehabilitation. The SSNB-ANB block involves separate nerve blocks for the suprascapular and axillary nerves using ultrasound guidance. Both blocks use injections of bupivacaine with dexamethasone as an adjuvant. The study will randomly assign participants to receive either the SHAC block or the combined SSNB-ANB block during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. Participants will be monitored for postoperative pain using the Numeric Rating Scale at rest and movement at several intervals up to 24 hours after surgery. Researchers will measure total pethidine use in the first 24 hours, time to first request for rescue analgesia, block performance time, patient satisfaction, and any complications over seven days. The study will assess the potential benefits of the SHAC block for adequate pain control and early rehabilitation after shoulder surgery, with follow-up during the first day and up to a week after surgery.

Shoulder Anterior Capsular Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery