Continuous interscalene block provided superior analgesic control through the first postoperative week after rotator cuff repair.

Abstract

Salviz EA, Xu D, Frulla A, Kwofie K, Shastri U, Chen J, Shariat AN, Littwin S, Lin E, Choi J, Hobeika P, Hadzic A. Continuous Interscalene Block in Patients Having Outpatient Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Anesth Analg. 2013 Dec;117(6):1485-92. ### Question: In patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery, how do continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (CISB), single-injection interscalene brachial plexus block (SISB), and general anesthesia (GA) compare through the first postoperative week? ### Design: Randomized (unclear concealment), blinded (outcome assessors), controlled trial with 1 week of follow-up. ### Setting: St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. ### Patients: 70 patients ≥18 years of age who were scheduled for elective arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Exclusion criteria included open shoulder procedures, contraindications to regional anesthesia, and upper extremity neurological disorders. 63 patients (90%; mean age 55 years, 65% women) completed the study. ### Intervention: Patients were allocated to CISB (n = 24), SISB (n = 24), or GA (n = 22). CISB and SISB were carried out with use of both ultrasound guidance and confirmatory nerve stimulation. A high-frequency linear transducer was used to identify the interscalene trunks and roots. After skin anesthesia was achieved, an 18-gauge …