Comparison of the Effectiveness of USG-Guided Interscalene Block Versus Combined Interscalen-Suprascapular Block for Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

NCT07445126 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: HRÜ/26.01.72
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare two commonly used regional anesthesia techniques for shoulder arthroscopy: the ultrasound-guided interscalene block and the combined interscalene-suprascapular nerve block. Both techniques are routinely performed to reduce pain during and after shoulder surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine which method provides better postoperative pain control, reduces the need for pain medication, and causes fewer side effects such as diaphragmatic dysfunction. Participants will receive one of the two nerve block techniques before surgery, and their pain scores, opioid consumption, and respiratory effects will be monitored during the first 24 hours after the operation.

Conditions

Postoperative Pain; Shoulder Pain; Artroscopic Surgery

Keywords

Interscalene Block; Suprascapular Nerve Block; Regional Anesthesia; Artroscopic Shoulder Surgery; Postoperative Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Postoperative Pain Score (VAS 0-24 Hours)

  Postoperative pain intensity will be assessed using a standard 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Pain scores will be recorded at predefined postoperative time points (e.g., 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours). The primary outcome will be the comparison of cumulative VAS scores between the interscalene block group and the combined interscalene-suprascapular block group during the first 24 postoperative hours.

  0-24 hours after surgery

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Total Postoperative Opioid Consumption (0-24 Hours)

  0-24 hours after surgery

Study Arms (2)

Interscalene Block (ISB)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block. The block will be performed at the level of the C5-C6 nerve roots using a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe. A local anesthetic solution will be injected around the brachial plexus under real-time ultrasound visualization. This intervention represents the standard regional anesthesia technique used for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Procedure: Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Block

ISB+ Suprascapular Block ( ISB+ SSNB)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm will receive a combined regional anesthesia technique consisting of an ultrasound-guided interscalene block followed by an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block. The interscalene block will be performed at the C5-C6 level using a high-frequency linear probe. The suprascapular nerve block will be administered at the suprascapular notch under ultrasound visualization. Local anesthetic will be injected around both the brachial plexus and the suprascapular nerve. This combined technique is intended to enhance postoperative analgesia while potentially reducing phrenic nerve involvement compared with the interscalene block alone

Procedure: Combined Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene and Suprascapular Nerve Blocks

Interventions

Combined Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene and Suprascapular Nerve Blocks PROCEDURE

A combined regional anesthesia technique consisting of an ultrasound-guided interscalene block performed at the C5-C6 level, followed by an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block administered at the suprascapular notch. Local anesthetic is injected around both the brachial plexus and the suprascapular nerve under ultrasound guidance. This technique aims to improve postoperative analgesia while potentially reducing phrenic nerve involvement.

ISB+ Suprascapular Block ( ISB+ SSNB)

Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Block PROCEDURE

An ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block performed at the C5-C6 level using a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe. Local anesthetic is injected around the brachial plexus under real-time ultrasound visualization. This technique represents the standard regional anesthesia method for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Interscalene Block (ISB)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Planned arthroscopic shoulder surgery ASA physical status I-III Age between 18 and 75 years Ability to provide informed consent Suitable for regional anesthesia with ultrasound guidance

You may not qualify if:

• Allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics Coagulopathy or current anticoagulant therapy Infection at the block injection site Severe pulmonary disease (e.g., severe COPD) Pre-existing neurological deficit in the operative upper limb Body mass index \> 40 kg/m² Pregnancy or breastfeeding History of phrenic nerve palsy Inability to cooperate with block procedure or follow-up

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Asuman Ocaklar: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Shoulder Pain; Pain, Postoperative

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Arthralgia; Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Postoperative Complications; Pathologic Processes

Central Study Contacts

Asuman ocaklar, MD, Anesthesiologist

CONTACT

+90 5442013991; asuman-kcygt@hotmail.com

asuman Ocaklar, MD, Anesthesiologist

CONTACT

+90 5375909724; canocaklar@hotmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Specialist in Anesthesiology and Reanimation

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 25, 2026
• First Posted: March 3, 2026
• Study Start: March 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 30, 2026
• Last Updated: March 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share