Analgesia For Shoulder Surgery Research Articles

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided upper thoracic erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in proximal shoulder surgery and its effect on phrenic nerve function: A prospective exploratory study.

The upper thoracic (T2) erector spinae plane block (UT-ESPB) has been proposed as an alternative to interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. The current study was conducted to evaluate the same. Patients scheduled for shoulder surgery under general anesthesia (GA) received ultrasound-guided UT-ESPB. The outcomes measured were diaphragmatic movements, block characteristics, and quality of recovery at 24 h. A total of 43 patients were recruited. The incidence of phrenic nerve palsy was 0%. The sensory level achieved by the maximum number of patients at the end of 30 min was C7-T5 level, and none had a motor block. Forty-two percent of patients did not require rescue analgesia till 24 h postoperative. In the rest of the patients, the mean (SD) duration of analgesia was 724.2 ± 486.80 min, and the mean postoperative requirement of fentanyl was 98.80 ± 47.02 μg. The median pain score (NRS) during rest and movement is 2 to 3 and 3 to 4, respectively. The median quality of recovery score at the end of 24 h after the block was 14 (15-14). The upper thoracic ESPB resulted in a sensory loss from C7-T5 dermatomes without any weakness of the diaphragm and upper limb. However, the block was moderately effective in terms of the total duration of analgesia, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirement, and quality of recovery in patients undergoing proximal shoulder surgeries under GA. Further studies are required to establish its role due to its poor correlation with sensory spread.

The effect on the incidence of rebound pain of the application of anterior suprascapular nerve block added to interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery: A randomized controlled study

This study aimed to compare the incidence of rebound pain applied with anterior suprascapular nerve block (ASSB) added to interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) as postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. This prospective, observer-blinded, randomized study involved 60 patients who were to undergo shoulder surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: group ISB (n=30) received ISB block, while group ISB+ASSB (n=30) received ASSB in addition to ISB. The primary outcome was to determine the occurrence of rebound pain. Secondary outcomes were numerical rating scale (NRS) values of postoperative pain at 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 24, and 48 hours, 48-hour opioid consumption, sleep scale for the postoperative night and subsequent 6 nights, and the quality of recovery (QoR) scale evaluated on postoperative days 1 and 7. No statistically significant difference was found between the ISB group (56.7%) and the ISB+ASSB group (40%) in the incidence of rebound pain following the resolution of peripheral nerve block (PNB) (p=0.196). The ISB+ASSB group had a significantly longer time to PNB wear off (14.77±2.07 ) compared to the ISB group (12.87±1.94) (p=0.001). The postoperative day 1 QoR-15 values were significantly better in the ISB+ASSB group (122.60±10.79) than in the ISB group (116.33±11.48) (p=0.031). Sleep evaluation on the postoperative night showed a significant difference between the groups; ISB+ASSB (3[2-3])–ISB (2[1-3]). The addition of ASSB to ISB did not have a sufficient effect with respect to the incidence of postoperative rebound pain following shoulder surgery. However, there was seen to be a positive effect on prolonging the PNB and on the QoR day 1 values.

Regional anesthesia for shoulder surgery.

Regional anesthesia should be the preferred technique for analgesia in shoulder surgery, which is a frequent procedure in the daily practice of anesthesiologists. The use of ultrasound guidance enables the visualization of the relevant nerve structures and the adjacent anatomical details. Low volumes of local anesthetics reduce the incidence of inadvertent blockade of the phrenic nerve with subsequent respiratory impairment. The additional administration of dexmedetomidine to local anesthetics prolonges the duration of analgesia with a minimal increased incidence of haemodynamic side effects. An optimal workflow is associated with economical advantages due to an improved use of operation rooms. Attention have to be paid regarding intraoperative hypotension, cerebral hypoperfusion and complications due to positioning.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN INTERSCALENE BLOCK AND SUPRASCAPULAR PLUS AXILLARY NERVE BLOCK IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING SHOULDER SURGERY

The interscalene block is the gold standard for shoulder anesthesia. The suprascapular nerve block combined with an axillary nerve block may provide an efcacious alternative to the interscalene nerve block for shoulder surgery. To compare interscalene block with suprascapular plus axillary nerve block for shoulder surgery in terms of quality of anaesthesia, duration of analgesia and, associated complications. Seventy one patients were randomly allocated in two groups to receive either interscalene block (Group IG, number of patients =35) or suprascapular plus axillary nerve block (Group SG, number of patients = 36). Onset of block, quality of block, failure rate and incidence of complications were observed. Postoperative pain was assessed by Visual Analog Scale. Score ≥4 was considered as signicant pain and, rescue analgesic injection tramadol 100 mg was administered. Onset of sensory block was 17.67±6.11 min and 15.29±1.72 min in group SG and IG respectively. Similarly duration of block was 247.61±78.46 min (Group SG) and 268.11±24.78 min (Group IG) (p=0.1332). Majority of patients had grade III motor block in group IG (74%) and grade II in group SG (89%). Three patients had either partial or complete failure of block in SG group. Interscalene block provided longer duration of postoperative analgesia. Both interscalene block and suprascapular plus axillary nerve block provide effective anaesthesia and analgesia for shoulder surgery. Although quality of block is better following interscalene block; suprascapular and axillary nerve blocks are associated with fewer side effects.

Dexamethasone as a bupivacaine adjuvant for ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block: a prospective randomized study

BackgroundFinding adjuvants to local anesthetic used in interscalene block that could efficiently extend the analgesia duration has recently been the focus of researchers. The aim of the work was to determine whether the addition of perineural dexamethasone to bupivacaine in-ultrasound guided interscalene block would prolong the duration of sensory analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder surgery.ResultsThis prospective, randomized, double-blinded study comprised 50 patients. They were randomly subdivided into 2 groups: group C [control] and group D [dexamethasone]. We noted a significant difference regarding the timing for the first rescue analgesia being shorter in group C than in group D with a P value < 0.001. Regarding postoperative analgesia, higher Ketolac consumption was noticed in group C than in group D. Patients from both groups showed excellent analgesic effects with VAS score less than 2 points up to 6 h postoperative then patients in group C had a higher VAS score compared to group D, and the difference was statistically significant (P value < 0.05). We also noticed an increase in the heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure in group C than in group D at 12 h and 24 h postoperatively.ConclusionWe concluded that the addition of 8 mg of perineural dexamethasone to 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine showed improvement in the postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery without obvious complications.

Anesthesia and analgesia for shoulder surgery

The shoulder is very important for a vertical body position and cosmetic appearance particularly in women. The shoulder joint has the largest motion range of all joints in the human body.

Peri-articular infiltration analgesia for shoulder surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Effective analgesic alternatives to interscalene brachial plexus block are sought for shoulder surgery. Peri-articular infiltration analgesia is a novel, less invasive technique, but evidence surrounding its use is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the utility of peri-articular infiltration analgesia in shoulder surgery. We searched literature for trials comparing peri-articular infiltration analgesia with control or with interscalene brachial plexus block. Control groups received no intervention, placebo or systemic opioids. The primary outcome was cumulative oral morphine equivalent consumption during the first 24h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included: rest pain scores up to 48h; risk of side-effects; and durations of post-anaesthetic care unit and hospital stay. Data were pooled with random-effects modelling. Seven trials (383 patients) were included. Compared with control, peri-articular infiltration analgesia reduced 24-h oral morphine consumption by a mean difference (95%CI) of -38.0mg (-65.5 to -10.5; p=0.007). It also improved pain scores up to 6h, 36h and 48h, with the greatest improvement observed at 0h (-2.4 (-2.7 to -1.6); p<0.001). Peri-articular infiltration analgesia decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting by an odds ratio (95%CI) of 0.3 (0.1-0.7; p=0.006). In contrast, peri-articular infiltration analgesia was not different from interscalene brachial plexus block for analgesic consumption, pain scores or side-effects. This review provides moderate evidence supporting peri-articular infiltration for postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery. The absence of difference between peri-articular infiltration analgesia and interscalene brachial plexus block for analgesic outcomes suggests that these interventions are comparable, but further trials are needed to support this conclusion and identify the optimal peri-articular infiltration technique.

Yet another PECS usage: A continuous PECS block for anterior shoulder surgery.

Yet another PECS usage: A continuous PECS block for anterior shoulder surgery.

The minimal effective volume (MEAV 95) for interscalene brachial plexus block for surgical anesthesia under sedation: A prospective observational dose finding study

ABSTRACTBackground: Interscalene brachial plexus (ISB) block is routinely used to provide anesthesia and analgesia for shoulder surgery. Traditional local anesthetic volumes for ISB result in near universal ipsilateral phrenic nerve paresis potentially including oxygenation and ventilation.Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the lowest minimal effective anesthetic volume in 95% of patients (MEAV 95) of ropivacaine 0.75% for ISB that provides surgical anesthesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.Methods: Prospective observational cohort study in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under ISB (C6 level) with sedation. The dose finding protocol used the Narayana rule for up/down sequential allocation to estimate the MEAV 95 of ropivacaine 0.75%. Successful ISB was defined as complete absence of pinprick sensation in the C5 and C6 dermatomes 30 min postblock. Secondary outcomes assessed included ability to complete surgery with propofol sedation, change in slow vital capacity, room air oxygen saturation postblock, block duration, ISB complications, and numeric rating scale for pain immediately after surgery.Results: The study was stopped early due to futility. Among 225 participants approached, 54 consented to participate. The MEAV 95 for ultrasound-guided ISB of ropivacaine 0.75% for shoulder surgery was unable to be accurately estimated. Local anesthetic volumes between 5 and 20 ml did not influence any of the predefined secondary outcomes.Conclusions: The MEAV 95 (at 30 min) of ropivacaine 0.75% for ultrasound-guided ISB exceeds the local anesthetic volumes that consistently produces hemidiaphragmatic impairment. ISB cannot be guaranteed to provide surgical anesthesia at 30 min without the potential for concomitant phrenic nerve block.

New technique targeting the C5 nerve root proximal to the traditional interscalene sonoanatomical approach is analgesic for outpatient arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Study objectiveRegional anesthesia and analgesia for shoulder surgery is most commonly performed via interscalene nerve block. We developed an ultrasound-guided technique that specifically targets the C5 nerve root proximal to the traditional interscalene block and assessed its efficacy for shoulder analgesia. DesignProspective case series. SettingVanderbilt Bone and Joint Surgery Center. PatientsPatients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy at an ambulatory surgery center. InterventionsThirty-five outpatient shoulder arthroscopy patients underwent an analgesic nerve block using a new technique where ultrasound visualization of the C5 nerve root served as the primary target at a level proximal to the traditional interscalene approach. The block was performed with 15mL of 0.5% plain ropivicaine. MeasurementsPost anesthesia care unit pain scores, opioid consumption, hand strength, and duration of block were recorded. Cadaver dissection after injection with methylene blue confirmed that the primary target under ultrasound visualization was the C5 nerve root. Main resultsPain scores revealed 97% patients had 0/10 pain at arrival to PACU, with 91% having a pain score of 3/10 or less at discharge from PACU. Medical Research Council (MRC) hand strength mean (SD) score was 4.17 (0.92) on a scale of 1–5. The mean (SD) duration of the block was 13.9 (3.5) hours. ConclusionsA new technique for ultrasound-guided blockade at the level of the C5 nerve root proximal to the level of the traditional interscalene block is efficacious for shoulder post-operative pain control.

Current Concepts in Anaesthesia for Shoulder Surgery

There has been an exponential growth in the volume of shoulder surgery in the last 2 decades and a very wide variety of anaesthetic techniques have emerged to provide anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia. In this article we examine current opinion, risks, benefits and practicalities of anaesthetic practice and the provision of post-operative analgesia for shoulder surgery.

Comparison of 0.25% levobupivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine for posterior approach interscalene brachial plexus block

This study compares the onset time and quality of posterior approach interscalene brachial plexus block produced by 0.25% levobupivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine. Sixty adult patients undergoing open or closed shoulder surgery were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized study, and they were randomly allocated to receive 40 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine (Group L, n = 30) or 0.25% bupivacaine (Group B, n = 30). The patients were assessed at 5 min intervals after local anesthetic injection in order to determine loss of shoulder abduction and loss of pinprick sensation in the C(5-6) dermatomes. The mean onset time of motor and sensory block and onset time of complete motor and sensory block were documented in both groups. In both groups, mean onset time of sensory block was <5 min and mean onset time of complete sensory block was <25 min. The onset times for sensory block and complete sensory block were not statistically different between the groups (P > 0.05). In both groups, mean onset time of motor block was <10 min but the mean onset time of complete motor block was <30 min. The onset times of motor block and complete motor block were not statistically different among the groups (P > 0.05). After the injection of the local anesthetic, 27% of Group L and 87% of Group B had complete motor block. Four patients in Group L had no motor block. We conclude that 0.25% levobupivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine have similar motor and sensory block onset times and qualities when used in posterior approach interscalene brachial plexus block, and provide comfortable anesthesia and analgesia for shoulder surgery.

The cat in the kitchen: problems with the Pippa technique

The cat in the kitchen: problems with the Pippa technique

A clinical comparison of equal concentration and volume of ropivacaine and bupivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus anesthesia and analgesia in shoulder surgery

The aim of this study was to compare the same volume and concentration of bupivacaine and ropivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus block anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. Forty-four patients scheduled for elective shoulder surgery were prospectively randomized to receive in a double-blind fashion 30 mL of either 0.5% bupivacaine or ropivacaine for interscalene block. The block was prolonged after surgery by using a patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with 0.15% of either bupivacaine or ropivacaine. The mean onset times of surgical blocks were determined after interscalene block. Pain relief was regularly assessed by using a visual analog scale, side effects were noted, and the patients were asked to rate their satisfaction at the end of the study. Two patients with bupivacaine and 1 with ropivacaine failed to achieve surgical block and were excluded. The mean onset times of surgical blocks were 18 +/- 12 minutes with ropivacaine and 21 +/- 13 minutes with bupivacaine. The pain scores, total volume infused of local anesthetics, incremental dose requested and received, total rescue analgesic, and side effects were similar between the groups. Postoperative pain control was similarly effective and patient satisfaction was high in both groups. This study shows that the same volume and concentration of bupivacaine and ropivacaine (30 mL of 0.5%) for interscalene brachial plexus block anesthesia produce similar surgical block. When prolonging the block with a patient-controlled interscalene analgesia infusion, 0.15% bupivacaine or ropivacaine provide adequate pain relief, similar side effects, and high patient satisfaction after shoulder surgery.

A Clinical Comparison of Equal Concentration and Volume of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine for Interscalene Brachial Plexus Anesthesia and Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery

A Clinical Comparison of Equal Concentration and Volume of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine for Interscalene Brachial Plexus Anesthesia and Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery

Intraarticular Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery

Intraarticular Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery In Response: We thank Dr. Soeding for his interest and support of our recent manuscript (1). The majority of the cases in our report consisted of diagnostic arthroscopies and therefore immediate shoulder mobilization as part of physiotherapy was not indicated. Because patients were partially immobilized during the course of the study (surgical preference) and motor paresis via the intraarticular route does not occur this assessment was not made. Extensive information already exists in the literature as to the duration of motor blockade after mepivacaine and ropivacaine (2). We agree that in certain circumstances immediate postoperative mobilization is essential and there are several strategies to deal with analgesia including continuous outpatient interscalene brachial plexus blockade (3). While analgesia in our study was provided after a simple arthroscopy it would be interesting to investigate more painful procedures using these modalities with either active or passive range of motion. Stephen M. Klein, MD Karen C. Nielsen, MD Susan M. Steele, MD

Interskalenäre Plexusblockade

The interscalene brachial plexus block with and without a catheter has become an indispensable method for anaesthesia and analgesia in shoulder surgery. Not only thorough knowledge of anatomy, but also accurate indication assessment and discussion with the surgeon regarding the location of access, is essential for the successful practice of this technique. Important and practical tips for implementation should especially help the less experienced, with special emphasis on correct positioning of the patient for surgery to avoid iatrogenic neural damage. Preoperative counselling of inevitable side-effects of the technique enhances the patient's acceptance and satisfaction.