Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of interscalene regional blocks and infusion pumps for postoperative pain control after arthroscopic subacromial decompression with or without arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methods: Seventy-six patients were included in the prospective study. Participants were randomized into 4 treatment groups: (1) interscalene regional block, (2) infusion pump with 0.5% bupivacaine, (3) interscalene block combined with an infusion pump containing 0.5% bupivacaine, and (4) interscalene block combined with an infusion pump containing 0.9% saline solution. The interscalene regional block was performed with a nerve stimulator. Infusion pump catheters were positioned in the subacromial space. Visual analog scale (VAS) data were collected preoperatively, at 1 and 2 hours postoperatively, and daily for an additional 6 days postoperatively. An analysis of variance with a Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test was used to identify statistically significant (P < .05) differences in VAS scores between the groups at each time point. Percentages of patients who took medication for pain management in the recovery room were compared between the 4 groups by use of chi(2) analysis.

Results: Significant differences were noted in VAS scores postoperatively. Group 2 (pump only) had significantly higher scores than all other groups for the first 2 hours. Furthermore, group 4 (block and pump filled with saline solution) had significantly lower VAS scores than group 1 (block only) at 1 hour. This difference was no longer significant by the second hour. The percentage of patients who required oral narcotics or intravenous pain medication was significantly larger for group 2 than for the other groups.

Conclusions: The interscalene regional block provided more pain relief than infusion pumps immediately after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Infusion pumps did not significantly reduce pain levels after the blocks wore off.

Level Of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative therapeutic study.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2007.07.021DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

interscalene regional
20
infusion pump
20
regional block
16
infusion pumps
12
vas scores
12
pain relief
8
block
8
infusion
8
block infusion
8
arthroscopic shoulder
8

Similar Publications

Interscalene blocks, commonly used for shoulder surgery analgesia, often cause transient phrenic nerve palsy, leading to hemi-diaphragmatic paresis. This complication is particularly problematic in patients with pulmonary comorbidities and has been extensively investigated. However, its impact on patients with Fontan physiology remains less understood with limited representation in the literature.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Regional anesthesia is a popular method for surgical anesthesia in clavicular surgery. Selective blocking of the cervical 3, 4, and 5 nerve roots shows promise in clavicle surgery, with its fast onset, good anesthesia and less complications, necessitating evaluation of its impact on diaphragmatic function. The purpose of this study is to examine the safety of C3, 4, and 5 nerve root block for its application in clavicle surgery.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Regional anesthesia is frequently used for upper limb surgeries and postoperative pain control. Different approaches to brachial plexus blocks are similarly effective but may differ in the frequency and severity of iatrogenesis. We, therefore, examined large-scale registry data to explore the risks of typical complications among different brachial plexus block sites for regional anesthesia.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: The C4 dermatome anesthesia holds significance for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, the reliability of achieving C4 dermatome anesthesia with the current low-dose ultrasound-guided interscalene block (ISB) and supraclavicular block (SCB) remains uncertain. This prospective, single-center study examined the effects of ultrasound-guided interscalene block (ISB) and supraclavicular block (SCB) on the C4 sensory dermatome in patients undergoing shoulder, hand, or wrist surgery.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: As the popularity and the usage of the artificial intelligence (AI) tools is increasing in medical education, it is important to critically evaluate these resources and confirm their reliability. The current study proposes to assess the reliability and effectiveness of ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 for gross anatomical information on scalenovertebral triangle.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!