Single-shot liposomal bupivacaine interscalene block versus continuous interscalene catheter in total shoulder arthroplasty: Opioid administration, pain scores, and complications

Abstract

IntroductionWe sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the liposomal bupivacaine interscalene block (LBB) compared with continuous interscalene catheter block (CISB) in primary shoulder arthroplasty patients. MethodsA prospective database was retrospectively queried over a 4-year period. ResultsLBB (n = 34) patients had lower opioid consumption and pain scores than CISB (n = 70), especially in opioid naïve patients. LBB patients were discharged with less opioids and had fewer revisits to the emergency department. ConclusionCompared with CISB, LBB patients consume fewer opioids, have less pain, are discharged with less opioids, and have fewer revisits to the emergency department.