A Novel Combination of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Patients Scheduled for Shoulder Surgery

A Novel Combination of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Patients Scheduled for Shoulder Surgery

Interscalene block has been the traditional regional anesthesia for shoulder surgery and postoperative pain. However, the risk of phrenic nerve palsy and irreversible nerve injury have encouraged search for alternative methods.

Analyzing block effects of the lateral sagittal infraclavicular brachial plexus block(posterior and lateral chord), the investigators found it affecting all shoulder relevant nerves , except for the suprascapular and the supraclavicular nerves.

Accordingly, by combining a superficial cervical plexus block, suprascapular nerve block and block of the posterior and lateral chords infraclavicularly, the investigators believe this novel combination would provide anesthesia for patients scheduled for shoulder surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled for shoulder surgery.
• American Society of Anesthesiologist grad I-III,
• 18-70 years,
• BMI 20-35,

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy,
• coagulopathy,
• allergy to local anesthetics,
• atrioventricular block,
• peripheral neuropathy or drug-treated diabetes.
• Patients using anticoagulation other than acetylsalicylic acid or dipyridamol will be excluded.