NCT07253740

Interscalene Versus Infraspinatus-Teres Minor Blocks for Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Comparison of Interscalene and Infraspinatus-Teres Minor Blocks on Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Pain Scores in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Ataturk University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of interscalene (ISB) and infraspinatus-teres minor (ITM) blocks for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The primary outcome is total 24-hour opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, hemidiaphragmatic paresis incidence and severity, duration of analgesia, and changes in lung function. Participants are randomized into ISB or ITM groups; blocks are performed under ultrasound guidance. Postoperative pain is managed with patient controlled analgesia(PCA).

Detailed description

This is a single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial designed to compare the efficacy of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block (ISB) and Infraspinatus-Teres Minor (ITM) interfascial block in patients undergoing elective unilateral arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The primary objective is to compare total 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption. Secondary objectives include the and pain scores, incidence and severity of hemidiaphragmatic paresis, duration of analgesia (from block completion to initiation of IV PCA), and postoperative pulmonary function changes. This study aims to determine whether the ITM block provides comparable perioperative analgesia to the ISB block while potentially reducing hemidiaphragmatic paresis and pulmonary compromise.

Conditions

• Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block (ISB)	Patients receive ultrasound-guided ISB before arthroscopic shoulder surgery. After sedation with IV midazolam, 15 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine is injected using a 22 Gauge 50 mm needle with posterior in-plane approach, targeting C5-C6 roots.
PROCEDURE	Infraspinatus-Teres Minor Block (ITM)	Patients receive ultrasound-guided ITM interfascial block in sitting position before surgery. Using a 22 Gauge 10 mm needle, 25 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine is injected between infraspinatus and teres minor muscles via out-of-plane or in-plane hydrodissection.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-05-01
• Completion: 2026-05-02
• First posted: 2025-11-28
• Last updated: 2026-01-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)