Erector Spinae Plane Versus Interscalene Blocks for Shoulder Surgery

Erector Spinae Plane Versus Interscalene Blocks for Shoulder Surgery

The goal of this study is the evaluation of erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks as an alternative to interscalene brachial plexus nerve blocks for rotator cuff repair and total shoulder arthroplasty procedures. Currently, single shot interscalene nerve blocks are performed for rotator cuff repair surgeries, and interscalene nerve catheters are placed for total shoulder arthroplasty surgeries. Erector spinae plane blocks are commonly used as part of the anesthetic plan for other surgeries, but less so for shoulder surgeries. The investigators would like to study whether an ESP block can provide similar pain control compared to an interscalene nerve block, with less risk of upper extremity motor block and phrenic nerve block.

Inclusion Criteria:

- All adult patients (18 years and over) scheduled for rotator cuff surgery or total shoulder arthroplasty surgery requiring a nerve block as part of their anesthetic care

Exclusion Criteria:

• concomitant life-threatening injuries and other concomitant injuries causing significant pain.
• pregnancy,
• any condition impairing patient's ability to consent to participation in study
• an existing condition contraindicating a nerve block, i.e. nerve injury, existing bleeding disorder
• infection in the vicinity of the block, and patient refusal.