Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Interscalene and Suprascapular Blocks Used in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

NCT07483814 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2023/12/01
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 84
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The Importance of Postoperative Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery Shoulder surgery is an orthopedic procedure that can be performed either through open surgery or arthroscopically. Pain following shoulder surgery can lead to adverse outcomes such as decreased functional status, increased consumption of narcotic analgesics, and the development of chronic pain. Therefore, achieving optimal postoperative shoulder analgesia is important not only for patient comfort and satisfaction but also for promoting functional recovery, preventing chronic pain, and reducing the need for narcotic analgesics. Additionally, minimizing the side effects associated with nerve block techniques used for analgesia is crucial for the overall success of the treatment.

Conditions

Postoperative Acute Pain; Chronic Pain

Keywords

shoulder arthroscopy; interscalene block; suprascapular block; brachial plexus

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• The analgesic efficacy of interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.

  It is a pain intensity assessment system based on the patient indicating a point between 0 (no pain) and 10 (unbearable pain) to describe their pain level.

  the first 48 hours postoperatively

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• The development of chronic pain following interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.

  3 months postoperatively

Other Outcomes (1)

• The side effects of interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.

  the first 48 hours postoperatively

Study Arms (2)

Suprascapular block

For Group I, after the patients were positioned in the sitting posture, reference points were identified based on anatomical landmarks, including the scapular spine and the acromion. A linear ultrasound probe (13-6 MHz) was used to guide the procedure, targeting the suprascapular notch. Under sterile conditions, a 22-gauge × 100 mm needle (Braun® Stimuplex) was advanced, and following negative aspiration, 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine was injected.

Other: rescue analgesia

Interscalene block

For Group II, patients were positioned in the supine or semi-sitting position with the head turned to the contralateral side to facilitate access to the lateral aspect of the neck. Following antiseptic skin preparation, a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe (6-13 MHz) was placed transversely on the lateral neck. The C5-C7 nerve roots were identified as hyperechoic structures located between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. Using an in-plane ultrasound-guided approach, a 22-gauge, 50-100 mm nerve block needle was advanced into the interscalene groove. After confirming negative aspiration, 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine was administered around the nerve roots.

Other: rescue analgesia

Interventions

rescue analgesia OTHER

In the postoperative recovery room, patients with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 4 or higher received 100 mg of intravenous tramadol as rescue analgesia. In addition, both groups routinely received 1 g of intravenous paracetamol every 6 hours during their stay in the ward. During ward follow-up, if the NRS score was 4 or higher, 100 mg of intravenous tramadol was administered as needed.

Interscalene block; Suprascapular block

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Once suitability is confirmed, detailed information about the work programs is provided in glossary and written form. Random grouping (randomization) and work will be specifically approved after being informed before any process.

You may qualify if:

• Patients who have provided written informed consent
• Patients over 18 years of age scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy
• Patients classified as ASA I-II
• Patients undergoing general anesthesia

You may not qualify if:

• Patients undergoing shoulder surgery other than arthroscopic procedures (e.g., revision or open surgery)
• Patients with pre-existing respiratory, cardiac, renal, neurological, or hepatic diseases
• Presence of neuropathy affecting the brachial plexus
• Contraindications to peripheral nerve block (e.g., coagulopathy)
• Known allergy to local anesthetics

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Aydin Adnan Menderes University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Adnan menderesüniversite Hastanesi

Aydin, Efeler, 09010, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain, Postoperative; Chronic Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Postoperative Complications; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Durali BAYKA

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Target Duration: 3 Months
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Doktor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 24, 2025
• First Posted: March 19, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2027
• Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

TU (1)