Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Mixed Liposomal Bupivacaine versus Continuous Catheter for Interscalene Block during Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Comparison of Analgesia, Patient Experience, and Cost.

Background: Continuous interscalene catheters extend analgesia beyond 24 hours but are resource-intensive, while the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine for single-injection interscalene blocks remains uncertain. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the analgesic efficacy, quality of recovery, and treatment costs between interscalene nerve block using either an indwelling catheter or single shot block using liposomal bupivacaine, in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods: In this single-center, parallel, unblinded, randomized clinical trial, 83 patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty were assigned to either a continuous interscalene catheter group (n=44) or a single-injection liposomal bupivacaine interscalene block group (n=39).