NCT07445126

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

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Block Versus Combined Interscalene and Suprascapular Nerve Blocks in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Asuman Ocaklar · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Detailed description

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a commonly performed procedure, and effective perioperative analgesia is essential for improving patient comfort, reducing opioid consumption, and enabling early rehabilitation. The ultrasound-guided interscalene block is considered the standard regional anesthesia technique for shoulder surgery; however, it may cause hemidiaphragmatic paresis due to phrenic nerve involvement. To reduce this risk while maintaining effective analgesia, the combination of interscalene and suprascapular nerve blocks has recently gained attention as a promising alternative. The suprascapular nerve supplies approximately 70% of sensory innervation to the shoulder joint, and its blockade may enhance postoperative pain control when combined with a low-volume interscalene block. This combined technique has been proposed as a potentially safer option with fewer respiratory side effects, particularly in patients at risk of reduced pulmonary reserve. This prospective, randomized clinical study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy and respiratory effects of the ultrasound-guided interscalene block versus the combined interscalene-suprascapular nerve block in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Participants will be assigned to one of the two block techniques prior to surgery. Standardized anesthesia and postoperative care protocols will be applied. Primary outcomes include postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption during the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes include diaphragm excursion measurements, block-related complications, patient satisfaction, and recovery profiles. The results of this study are expected to contribute to determining whether the combined technique provides comparable or superior analgesia with fewer respiratory side effects, potentially offering a safer alternative to traditional interscalene block for shoulder surgery.

Conditions

• Shoulder Pain
• Artroscopic Surgery
• Postoperative Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Block	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.
PROCEDURE	Combined Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene and Suprascapular Nerve Blocks	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-01
• Primary completion: 2026-12-30
• Completion: 2026-12-30
• First posted: 2026-03-03
• Last updated: 2026-03-03