Circumflex Nerve Blocks Versus Posterior Cord Nerve Blocks in Shoulder Arthroscopy

Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound Guided Combined (Suprascapular and Circumflex Nerve Blocks ) Versus (Suprascapular Nerve and Posterior Cord Nerve Blocks at Infraclavicular Level ) During Shoulder Arthroscopy : A Randomized Controlled Study

Shoulder arthroscopy is associated with severe postoperative pain. Traditionally, the interscalene approach to the brachial plexus has been employed to manage postoperative pain following shoulder surgery.To provide more complete shoulder joint analgesia, suprascabular nerve block (SSNB) was combined with block of the circumflex nerve which comes from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus that usually gives also upper subscapular, thoracodorsal, lower subscapular and radial nerves.

Aim of the work is to compare postoperative analgesic effect of ultrasound guided combined suprascapular and circumflex nerve blocks versus suprascapular nerve and posterior cord blocks at infraclavicular level .

Thirty four patients aged from 18-70 years old, with ASA physical status I-II-III and scheduled for shoulder surgeries will be included in the study. Patients will be randomly allocated using computer-generated table into one of two groups:

• Group circumflex → will undergo ultrasound guided SSN+circumflex.
• Group posterior cord → will undergo ultrasound guided SSN+posterior cord.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA I-II.-III
• Undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal
• Known allergy to local anesthetics
• Bleeding disorders
• Inability to provide informed consent