Interscalene Block Versus Superior Trunk Block

Interscalene Block Versus Superior Trunk Block: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Sparing the phrenic nerve by administering ultrasound-guided low volume superior trunk block (STB) and interscalene block (ISB) for arthroscopic shoulder surgery (labral repair, stabilization, rotator cuff repair).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who will be undergoing primary unilateral labral repair/stabilization of the shoulder
• Age 18 to 80 years
• Planned use of general anesthesia with LMA and interscalene or superior trunk block
• Ability to follow study protocol
• English speaking
• ASA I - III

Exclusion Criteria:

Pre-existing neuropathy of the operative limb

• Younger than 18 years old and older than 80
• Patients with pulmonary severe respiratory disease
• Allergy to one of the study medications
• Chronic gabapentin/pregabalin use (regular use for longer than 3 months)
• Chronic opioid use (taking opioids for longer than 3 months)
• Contraindication to general anesthesia, interscalene or superior trunk block
• Herniated Cervical Disk, Cervical Myelopathy
• BMI >35