Suprascapular Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Control in Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is known to cause severe postoperative pain. We conducted a randomized control trial to evaluate the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block (SSB) in the reduction of this pain and the increase of patient satisfaction.  Methods: 34 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were prospectively randomized into two groups: 20 patients received suprascapular nerve block (SSB)  and 14 patients received placebo (control group). Patient pain levels were measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS) in the recovery room, 2-4 hours, and 24 h after surgery. Analgesic and opioid consumption was evaluated during the first 24 hours. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 48 hours post-operatively. Results: compared to the control group, the SSN group reported significantly lower levels of postoperative pain in the recovery room (3.2 vs. 7.7), 2-4 hours postoperatively (3.6 vs. 7.6) and at 24 hours post-operatively (5.35 vs. 7.2). Also, SSB patients required significantly less analgesic (60% requiring 1-2 ampoules vs. 83% requiring 2-3 ampoules) and no opioids at all (0% vs. 14.3%). They had higher levels of postoperative satisfaction (1.55 vs. 0.6). Conclusion: Patients treated with suprascapular block had less pain during the first 24 hours after surgery, which led to a decreased need for analgesics. Furthermore, patients were significantly more satisfied with the operation. We conclude that SSB may be an effective modality for post-operative analgesia. Level of Evidence: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, Level I evidence