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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThis randomized trial aimed to assess if a combined suprascapular-axillary nerve block (SSB) is noninferior (margin = 1.3 on a 0- to 10-point scale) to interscalene block (ISB) in treating pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Secondary end points included opioid consumption, dyspnea, discomfort associated with muscle weakness, and patient satisfaction. METHODSOne hundred patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided ISB (n = 50) or SSB (n = 50). Pain intensity at rest, dyspnea, and discomfort were recorded upon arrival in the recovery room, discharge to the ward, and at 4, 8, and 24 hours after surgery. Piritramide consumption was recorded for the first 24 hours. Patient satisfaction was assessed on the second postoperative day. RESULTSDuring the first 4 hours after surgery, the difference in mean pain score between SSB and ISB was higher than 2.5 (±0.8). The difference gradually decreased to 1.1 (±1.0) at 8 hours before resulting in noninferiority during the night and at 24 hours. Piritramide consumption was significantly higher in the SSB group in the first 8 hours. The incidence of dyspnea and discomfort was higher after ISB. Treatment satisfaction was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONSSuprascapular-axillary nerve block is inferior to ISB in terms of analgesia and opioid requirement in the immediate period after arthroscopic shoulder surgery but is associated with a lower incidence of dyspnea and discomfort. The difference in pain and opioid consumption gradually decreases as the blocks wear off in order to reach similar pain scores during the first postoperative night and at 24 hours. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONThis study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02415088.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESIt has recently been proposed that an infraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) at the costoclavicular (CC) space may overcome some of the limitations of the lateral sagittal (LS) approach. In this study, we hypothesized that the CC approach will produce faster onset of sensory blockade of the 4 major terminal nerves of the brachial plexus than the LS approach. METHODSForty patients undergoing elective upper extremity surgery under a BPB were randomized to receive either the LS (Gp-LS, n = 20) or CC approach (Gp-CC, n = 20) for infraclavicular BPB. Twenty-five milliliters of 0.5% ropivacaine was used for the BPB in both study groups. Sensory-motor blockade of the ipsilateral median, radial, ulnar, and musculocutaneous nerves was assessed by a blinded observer at regular intervals for 45 minutes after the block. Sensory block was assessed using a verbal rating scale (0–100) and motor block using a 3-point qualitative scale (0–2). Onset of sensory (primary outcome variable) and motor blockade was defined as the time it took to achieve a sensory verbal rating scale of 30 or less and motor grade of 1 or less, respectively. Time to readiness for surgery was defined as the time it took to achieve a sensory score of 30 or less and motor grade of 1 or less in all the 4 nerves tested. RESULTSThe overall sensory onset time (median [interquartile range]) was significantly faster (P = 0.004) in Gp-CC (10 [10–26.25] minutes) than in Gp-LS (20 [15–30] minutes). The overall sensory score was significantly lower in Gp-CC than in Gp-LS at 5 (P < 0.001), 10 (P = 001), 15 (P = 0.001), and 20 (P = 0.04) minutes after the BPB. The overall motor score was significantly lower (P = 0.009) in Gp-CC than in Gp-LS at 10 minutes after the BPB. There were more (P = 0.04) patients with complete sensory-motor blockade at 20 minutes after the BPB in Gp-CC (25%) than in Gp-LS (0%). Time to readiness for surgery was also significantly faster (P = 0.002) in Gp-CC (10 [10–26.5] minutes) than in Gp-LS (20 [15–30] minutes). CONCLUSIONSThe CC approach for infraclavicular BPB produces faster onset of sensory blockade and earlier readiness for surgery than the LS approach. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONThis study was registered at the Centre for Clinical Trials of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, identifier CUHK_CCT00389.

IntroductionIn an effort to shorten onset time, a common practice is to add lidocaine to bupivacaine. In the setting of infraclavicular block, it is unclear what the block characteristics of this practice are compared with bupivacaine alone. We hypothesized that bupivacaine alone increases the duration of motor block, sensory block, and postoperative analgesia while resulting in a slower onset time compared with a bupivacaine and lidocaine mixture.Methods40 patients receiving ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly assigned to receive either 35 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine and 1% lidocaine or 0.5% bupivacaine, both associated with perineural adjuvants (epinephrine 5 µg/mL and dexamethasone 4 mg). After the block was performed, a blinded observer evaluated the success of the block, the onset time, and the incidence of surgical anesthesia. Postoperatively, a blinded observer contacted patients who had successful blocks to inquire about the duration of motor block, sensory block, postoperative analgesia, and the presence of rebound pain.ResultsWhen comparing patients having bupivacaine alone versus bupivacaine and lidocaine, the mean (SD) motor block duration was 28.4 (5.2) vs 18.9 (3.1) hours, respectively; the mean difference 9.5 hours (95% CI 6.5 to 12.4; p<0.001); the mean (SD) sensory block duration was 29.3 (5.8) vs 18.7 (4.0) hours, respectively; the mean difference 10.6 hours (95% CI 7.1 to 14.0; p<0.001); the mean (SD) postoperative analgesia duration was 38.3 (7.4) vs 24.3 (6.6) hours, respectively; the mean difference 14 hours (95% CI 9.2 to 18.8; p<0.001); and the median (IQR) onset time was 35 (15) vs 20 (10) min, respectively; p<0.001. No other significant differences were detected.ConclusionsCompared with mixed bupivacaine–lidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine significantly prolongs sensorimotor block and postoperative analgesia at the expense of a delayed onset time.Trial registration number NCT05834023.

Background and ObjectivesThe interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB), a potent option to control pain after shoulder surgery, has notable adverse effects. The anterior suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) might provide comparable analgesia and cause less grip-strength impairment. These characteristics were studied in this randomized controlled patient- and assessor-blinded trial.MethodsOutpatients were randomized to single-shot ultrasound-guided SSNB (10 mL ropivacaine 1%) or ISB (20 mL ropivacaine 0.75%) before general anesthesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Pain (Numerical Rating Scale, 0–10), grip strength, degree of satisfaction, and strength of recommendation were assessed.ResultsWe randomized 168 patients to each group and analyzed 164 in the SSNB group and 165 in the ISB group. Nerve blocks were successful in 98% of the patients from each group. Both procedures provided good postoperative analgesia, and the mean pain level for SSNB was slightly but significantly lower by 0.32 units (95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.46; P < 0.001) and noninferior given a margin of 1.1 units; P < 0.001. Within the first 24 hours, 162 (99%) of SSNB patients had unimpaired grip strength compared to 81 (49%) of ISB patients (P < 0.001). The multiple primary outcome, superior unimpaired grip strength, and noninferior pain control was significant; P < 0.001. Compared to ISB patients (n = 130 [79%]), significantly more SSNB patients (n = 150 [91%]) were satisfied/highly satisfied. Patients in the SSNB group were more likely to recommend the procedure highly.ConclusionsFor outpatients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia, the SSNB seems preferable to ISB. It provides excellent postoperative analgesia without exposing patients to impaired mobility and to risks of the more potent but also more invasive ISB.

IntroductionInterscalene brachial plexus blocks are a commonly performed procedure to reduce pain following total shoulder arthroplasty. Liposomal bupivacaine has been purported to prolong the duration of brachial plexus blocks for up to 72 hours; however, there has been controversy surrounding the analgesic benefits of this drug. Our hypothesis was that an interscalene block performed with bupivacaine alone would be non-inferior to a combination of liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine with respect to opioid consumption following total shoulder arthroplasty.MethodsSubjects presenting for primary total shoulder arthroplasty were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an ultrasound-guided, single-injection interscalene block with either a combination of liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine (LB group) or bupivacaine without additive (Bupi group). The primary outcome of this study was 72-hour postoperative cumulative opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents) with a non-inferiority margin of 22.5 mg. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, patient satisfaction with analgesia and patient reported duration of sensory block.ResultsSeventy-six subjects, 38 from the Bupi group and 38 from the LB group, completed the study. Analysis of the primary outcome showed a 72-hour cumulative geometric mean oral morphine equivalent consumption difference of 11.9 mg (95% CI −6.9 to 30.8) between groups (calculated on the log scale). This difference constitutes approximately 1.5 tablets of oxycodone over 3 days. No secondary outcomes showed meaningful differences between groups.DiscussionInterscalene brachial plexus blocks performed with bupivacaine alone did not demonstrate non-inferiority compared to a mixture of liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine with regards to 72-hour cumulative opioid consumption following total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the difference between groups did not appear to be clinically meaningful.

BackgroundsUltrasound-guided proximal and distal approaches of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) blocks facilitate analgesia for upper arm and axillary surgery, though success rates vary and lack clinical comparison. This study compared their anesthetic and analgesic efficacy as an adjunct to the supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper arm arteriovenous access surgery.Methods60 end-stage renal disease patients undergoing upper arm arteriovenous access were randomly assigned to receive either proximal or distal ICBN block using 10 mL of a mixture of levobupivacaine and lidocaine with epinephrine. The primary outcome was a successful ICBN block, defined as a cutaneous sensory blockade at both the medial upper arm and axilla 30 min after the block. Secondary outcomes included block performance, block-related complications, rate of surgical anesthesia, and postoperative analgesia.ResultsThe proximal approach had a higher percentage of sensory blockade at the axilla (96.7% vs 73.3%, p=0.03), but comparable rates at the medial upper arm (96.7% vs 96.7%, p=1.00). Consequently, the proximal approach had a higher overall success rate (96.7% vs 73.3%, difference: 23.3%; 95% CI: 6.3%, 40.4%; p=0.03). Both groups had similar surgical anesthesia rates of 93.3%. No significant differences were found in performance time, procedural pain, or postoperative pain intensity.ConclusionsProximal ICBN block consistently reduced sensation in the medial upper arm and axilla, while one-quarter of distal blocks spared the axilla. Both approaches, in combination with a supraclavicular brachial plexus block, were effective for upper arm arteriovenous access procedures. However, the proximal approach may be preferable for axillary surgery.Trial registration numberTCTR20200730006.

The perfusion index (PI) is an objective tool used to assess a successful nerve block. Epinephrine is a widely used adjuvant to local anesthetics, and it may affect PI values because of the vasoconstrictive property. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of epinephrine on PI as an indicator of a successful block in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCBPB). In this randomized controlled trial, 82 adult patients underwent upper limb surgery under SCBPB were recruited between July 2018 and March 2019 in a single tertiary care center. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: non-epinephrine group ( n  = 41) or epinephrine group (5 mcg ml −1 , n  = 41). The primary outcome was the comparison of the “PI ratio 10,” which was defined as the ratio of the PI 10 to the baseline. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the accuracy of the PI in predicting the block success at each time interval. The PI ratio 10 was 2.7 (1.9–4.0) in non-epinephrine group and 3.3 (2.2–4.4) in epinephrine group (median difference: 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 1.1 to 0.2; P  = 0.207). The ROC curves compared without group identification were not significantly different over time. The cut-off value for the PI and PI ratio at 5 min (PI ratio 5) were 7.7 (area under the ROC [AUROC]: 0.89, 95% CI 0.83–0.94) and 1.6 (AUROC: 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–0.98), respectively. The perineural epinephrine did not affect the PI following a SCBPB. The PI ratio 5 > 1.6 might be considered as a relatively accurate predictor of a successful SCBPB. Trial registration: This study was registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of Korea ( https://cris.nih.go.kr . CriS No. KCT0003006).

Abstract Objective The utility of single-injection and continuous peripheral nerve blocks is limited by short duration of analgesia and catheter-related complications, respectively. This double-blind, multicenter trial evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of single-injection, ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB) with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) added to a standardized pain management protocol for shoulder surgery. Methods Adults undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty or rotator cuff repair were randomized to receive LB 133 mg, LB 266 mg (pharmacokinetic and safety analyses only), or placebo, added to a standardized analgesia protocol. The primary end point was area under the curve (AUC) of visual analog scale pain intensity scores through 48 hours postsurgery. Secondary end points were total opioid consumption, percentage of opioid-free patients, and time to first opioid rescue through 48 hours. Pharmacokinetic samples were collected through 120 hours and on days 7 and 10. Adverse events were documented. Results One hundred fifty-five patients received treatment (LB 133 mg, N = 69; LB 266 mg, N = 15; placebo, N = 71). BPB with LB 133 mg was associated with significantly improved AUC of pain scores (least squares mean [SE] = 136.4 [12.09] vs 254.1 [11.77], P < 0.0001), opioid consumption (least squares mean [SE] = 12.0 [2.27] vs 54.3 [10.05] mg, P < 0.0001), median time to opioid rescue (4.2 vs 0.6 h, P < 0.0001), and percentage of opioid-free patients (treatment difference = 0.166, 95% confidence interval = 0.032–0.200, P = 0.008) through 48 hours vs placebo. Adverse event incidence was comparable between groups. Conclusions Single-injection BPB with LB 133 mg provided analgesia through 48 hours postsurgery with reduced opioid use compared with placebo after shoulder surgery.

Background and ObjectivesWe examined whether liposome bupivacaine (Exparel) given in the interscalene brachial plexus block lowers pain in the setting of multimodal postoperative pain management for major shoulder surgery.MethodsFifty-two adult patients were randomized to receive either 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine HCl immediately followed by 10 mL of liposome bupivacaine 133 mg (n = 26) or 15 mL of 0.25% standard bupivacaine alone (n = 26) in interscalene brachial plexus block. The primary outcome (worst pain in the first postoperative week) was assessed by the Modified Brief Pain Inventory short form. Secondary outcomes were overall satisfaction with analgesia (OBAS), functionality of the surgical arm, sleep duration, time to first opioid (tramadol) request and opioid consumption (mEq), sensory-motor block characteristics, and the occurrence of adverse effects.ResultsWorst pain was lower in patients given liposome bupivacaine added to standard bupivacaine than in patients given standard bupivacaine alone (generalized estimating equation [GEE] estimated marginal mean values, 3.6 ± 0.3 vs 5.3 ± 0.4 points on the Numeric Rating Scale, respectively, although the effect was modest, 1.6 ± 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.8–2.5). Total OBAS scores indicated greater satisfaction (GEE estimated marginal mean values, 1.8 ± 0.3 vs 3.3 ± 0.4 on total OBAS, respectively, with modest effect, difference, 1.4 ± 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.5–2.4). There were no differences in any of the other secondary outcomes.ConclusionsLiposome bupivacaine added to standard bupivacaine may lower pain and enhance patient's satisfaction in the first postoperative week even in the setting of multimodal analgesia for major shoulder surgery.This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02554357) on July 11, 2015, by Principal Investigator Catherine Vandepitte, MD.

BackgroundSingle-injection interscalene brachial plexus blocks are used for analgesia for rotator cuff repair (RCR) but have limited duration. The value of adding liposomal bupivacaine (LB) to prolong single-injection interscalene blocks is unclear. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the addition of LB to regular bupivacaine interscalene blocks for patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized trial, 70 patients undergoing primary RCR with equal group allocation were randomized by random number generator to receive an interscalene block with 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine or 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine plus 133 mg LB. The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption within 72 hours of the procedure. Secondary outcomes included maximum pain scores and quality of recovery 15 survey scores.Results70 of the 80 randomized patients were included in final analysis following exclusion for protocol violations and loss to follow-up. Cumulative opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalents) within 72 hours in patients receiving LB was a median (IQR) of 31.9 mg (0, 73.1) compared with 45.0 mg (15.0, 108.8) among patients receiving bupivacaine alone (p=0.312). Patients receiving LB demonstrated mixed results regarding worst pain scores with improvements at 24 hours and 72 hours, but not 48 hours.ConclusionsLB added to bupivacaine interscalene blocks does not reduce opioid consumption within 72 hours following arthroscopic RCR.Trial registration number NCT03587584.