Superior Trunk Block Catheter Versus Single-shot Superior Trunk Block With Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Shoulder Arthroplasty

Superior Trunk Block Catheter Versus Single-shot Superior Trunk Block With Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Shoulder Arthroplasty

Shoulder arthroplasty is associated with significant postoperative pain. Appropriate pain control after shoulder arthroplasty is crucial for postoperative rehabilitation and patient satisfaction. Superior trunk block is a commonly employed regional anesthetic technique for shouler arthroplasty, and a continuous catheter is often placed to extend the analgesic benefit of the block. However, continuous peripheral nervel block (PNB) is more costly and time-consuming than sigle-shot PNB. Recent evidence suggests that intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine (DEX) prolong the analgesic duration after sigle-shot PNB. The investigators will compare continuous superior trunk block with single-shot superior trunk block with IV DEX in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

Inclusion Criteria:

1 Patients aged 19 years old or older, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status 1-3, and scheduled for elective shoulder arthroplasty

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Allergy or intolerance to any of the drugs used in the study
2. Heart failure
3. Hepatic or renal insufficiency
4. Opioid dependency
5. Coagulopathy
6. Pre-existing neurologic or anatomic deficits in the upper extremities
7. Severe psychiatric illness