Clinical Research Directory

Combined Suprascapular and PECS I Blocks Versus Interscalene Block for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy can cause moderate to severe pain after surgery. An interscalene block is commonly used to reduce this pain, but it may temporarily weaken movement of the diaphragm on the treated side. This study will compare an interscalene block with a combination of suprascapular nerve block and PECS I block in adults undergoing elective shoulder arthroscopy. The researchers want to determine whether the combined blocks provide pain relief that is not meaningfully worse than the interscalene block while causing less impairment of diaphragm movement. A total of 80 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. All participants will receive general anesthesia. At the end of surgery, while participants are still under anesthesia, one group will receive the combined suprascapular nerve and PECS I blocks, and the other group will receive an interscalene block. Both groups will use the same intravenous patient-controlled pain pump containing tramadol after surgery. The main outcome will be the total amount of tramadol used during the first 24 hours after surgery. The study will also assess pain scores, diaphragm movement measured by ultrasound, quality of recovery, time until additional pain medicine is first needed, nausea and vomiting, anti-nausea medicine use, and block-related side effects during the first 24 hours.