Superior Trunk Block Provides Noninferior Analgesia Compared with Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural block for postoperative analgesia in pediatric Nuss surgery: a randomized noninferiority trial

PURPOSE

Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is often used for analgesia after thoracic surgery. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proposed to provide adequate analgesia. We hypothesized that ESPB would be noninferior to TEA as a part of multimodal analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure.

METHODS

Patients aged 7-18 years and scheduled for the Nuss procedure were randomly allocated to receive bilateral single-shot ESPB or TEA and a multimodal analgesic regimen including parent-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). At 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h postoperatively, pain was evaluated using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and opioid consumption was assessed by counting the number of PCIA boluses. The joint primary outcomes were the average pain score and opioid consumption at 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the NRS scores and the number of opioid boluses administered at different postoperative time points, adverse events, and recovery quality.

RESULTS

Three hundred patients underwent randomization, and 286 received ESPB (147 patients) or TEA (139 patients). At 24 h postoperatively, ESPB was noninferior to TEA in terms of the average NRS score (mean difference, - 0.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], - 0.3-0.1, margin = 1, P for noninferiority < 0.001) and the number of opioid boluses administered (mean difference, - 1.1, 95% CI, - 2.8-0.6, margin = 7, P for noninferiority < 0.001). Adverse events and patient recovery were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that combined with a multimodal analgesia, ESPB provides noninferior analgesia compared to TEA with respect to pain score and opioid consumption among pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure.

A comparison of the continuous supraclavicular brachial plexus block using the proximal longitudinal oblique approach and the interscalene brachial plexus block for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A randomised, controlled, double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is widely used for arthroscopic shoulder surgery, but the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP) has been reported to reach 100%. Several methods, including injections distal to the C5-C6 nerve roots, have been attempted to reduce the HDP incidence. However, catheter placement distal to the C5-C6 nerve roots interferes with the surgical site.

OBJECTIVE

Our primary objective was to describe a new technique, the supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCB), using the proximal longitudinal oblique approach (PLO-SCB), which can facilitate catheter placement and, when compared with ISB, to test whether this would provide noninferior analgesia and spare the phrenic nerve.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised, double-blind study.

SETTING

Operating rooms, postanaesthesia care unit, and wards.

PATIENTS

Seventy-six patients aged 20 to 80 years scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to the continuous PLO-SCB ( n  = 40) or the continuous ISB ( n  = 40) groups. All patients received an initial low-volume single-injection (5 ml 0.75% ropivacaine) followed by a patient-controlled infusion of 0.15% ropivacaine.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes were the incidence of HDP and pain scores. Secondary outcomes were respiratory function, postoperative analgesic consumption, sensory and motor function, and complications.

RESULTS

The HDP incidence was significantly lower in the PLO-SCB group than in the ISB group at 30 min after block injection: 0% (0 of 38 patients) and 73.7% (28 of 38 patients), respectively ( P  < 0.001). Similarly, at 24 h after surgery, the incidences were 23.7% (9 of 38 patients) and 47.4% (18 of 38 patients) in the PLO-SCB and ISB groups, respectively ( P  = 0.002). Median [IQR] NRS pain scores at rest measured after surgery in the ISB and PLO-SCB groups were similar: immediately after surgery, 1 [0 to 2] vs. 1 [0 to 1], P  = 0.06); at 30 min, 2 [0.25 to 2] vs. 1 [0 to 2], P  = 0.065); and at 24 h 2 [0.25 to 3] vs. 1 [0 to 3], P  = 0.47, respectively.

CONCLUSION

For major shoulder surgery, compared with continuous ISB, continuous PLO-SCB was more sparing of diaphragmatic and respiratory function while providing noninferior analgesia. Catheter placement via the PLO approach is feasible without interfering with the surgical field.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered by the Clinical Trial Registry of Korea (Seoul, Korea; KCT0004759, http: cris.nih.go.kr, principal investigator: Hyungtae Kim).

Anesthesia for the Patient Undergoing Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery introduces important anesthesia considerations. The interscalene nerve block is considered the gold standard regional anesthetic technique and can serve as the primary anesthetic or can be used for postoperative analgesia. Phrenic nerve blockade is a limitation of the interscalene block and various phrenic-sparing strategies and techniques have been described. Patient positioning is another important anesthetic consideration and can be associated with significant hemodynamic effects and position-related injuries.

Continuous Superior Trunk Block versus Single-Shot Superior Trunk Block with Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Analgesia in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: Intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX) can increase the analgesia duration of peripheral nerve block; however, its effect in combination with superior trunk block (STB) remains unclear. We examined whether combining single-shot STB (SSTB) with intravenous DEX would provide noninferior postoperative analgesia comparable to that provided by continuous STB (CSTB). Methods: Ninety-two patients scheduled for elective arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled in this prospective randomized trial. Patients were randomly assigned to the CSTB or SSTB + DEX group. Postoperatively, each CSTB group patient received 15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine and a continuous 0.2% ropivacaine infusion. Each SSTB group patient received a 15 mL postoperative bolus injection of 0.5% ropivacaine. DEX was administered at 2 mcg/kg for 30 min post anesthesia, then maintained at 0.5 mcg/kg/h till surgery ended. Pain scores were investigated every 12 h for 48 h post operation, with evaluation of rebound pain incidence and opioid consumption. Results: The SSTB + DEX group had significantly higher median pain scores at 12 h post operation (resting pain, 8.0 vs. 3.0; movement pain, 8.0 vs. 5.0) and a higher incidence of rebound pain (56% vs. 20%) than the CSTB group. However, no significant between-group differences were observed in pain scores postoperatively at 24, 36, or 48 h. The CSTB group required less opioids and fewer rescue analgesics within 12-24 h post operation than the SSTB + DEX group. Conclusions: Compared with CSTB, SSTB + DEX required additional adjuvant or multimodal analgesics to reduce the risk and intensity of postoperative rebound pain in patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Perioperative Diaphragm Dysfunction

Diaphragm Dysfunction (DD) is a respiratory disorder with multiple causes. Although both unilateral and bilateral DD could ultimately lead to respiratory failure, the former is more common. Increasing research has recently delved into perioperative diaphragm protection. It has been established that DD promotes atelectasis development by affecting lung and chest wall mechanics. Diaphragm function must be specifically assessed for clinicians to optimally select an anesthetic approach, prepare for adequate monitoring, and implement the perioperative plan. Recent technological advancements, including dynamic MRI, ultrasound, and esophageal manometry, have critically aided disease diagnosis and management. In this context, it is noteworthy that therapeutic approaches for DD vary depending on its etiology and include various interventions, either noninvasive or invasive, aimed at promoting diaphragm recruitment. This review aims to unravel alternative anesthetic and operative strategies that minimize postoperative dysfunction by elucidating the identification of patients at a higher risk of DD and procedures that could cause postoperative DD, facilitating the recognition and avoidance of anesthetic and surgical interventions likely to impair diaphragmatic function.

Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Shoulder Dislocation in the Emergency Department: A Systemic Review

BACKGROUND

Shoulder dislocations are among the most common orthopedic emergencies encountered in the emergency department (ED). Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks (USG-PNBs) are increasingly being used for acute pain management in the ED, but clinical evidence supporting their utility for shoulder dislocation is limited and often conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to summarize and evaluate the utility of USG-PNB for analgesia during closed reduction of dislocated shoulders in the ED.

METHODS

Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic literature search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed from database inception to September 2022. We included clinical studies examining USG-PNB for pain management of dislocated shoulders in the ED. Information collected from eligible studies included patient demographic characteristics, USG-PNB approach, alternate analgesia techniques, anesthetic regimens, clinical outcomes, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Five studies met inclusion criteria, all of which were randomized controlled trials comparing USG-PNB with procedural sedation and analgesia. Pooled patient satisfaction scores were similar for both analgesia methods (3.5 ± 0.6 vs. 3.9 ± 0.6 out of 5; p = 0.76). Patients managed with procedural sedation and analgesia achieved higher rates of overall shoulder reduction (100% vs. 67%; p < 0.001) and successful reduction on the first attempt (86% vs. 48%; p < 0.001). The USG-PNB groups in all but one study had shorter lengths of ED stay. Overall, USG-PNB was associated with a lower risk of adverse events and complications (3.9% vs. 24.9%; p < 0.001), especially adverse respiratory events (0% vs. 14.7%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

USG-PNBs performed by adequately trained emergency physicians should be considered a safe and effective alternative for analgesia during closed reduction of dislocated shoulders in the ED, particularly in patients with cardiorespiratory comorbidities.

Comparison of the Analgesic Efficacy between Arthroscopically Placed Continuous Suprascapular Nerve Block and Ultrasound-guided Continuous Superior Trunk Block: A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Single-shot suprascapular nerve block and superior trunk block have been reported to provide a noninferior analgesic effect after shoulder surgery with a lesser incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis compared with interscalene brachial plexus block. This study hypothesized that continuous suprascapular nerve block provides noninferior analgesia with minimal effects on diaphragmatic movement compared with continuous superior trunk block in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

METHODS

100 patients were randomized undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery between December 2020 and October 2021 into continuous suprascapular nerve block and continuous superior trunk block groups. Before the surgery, patients received either a single-shot superior trunk block or subomohyoid suprascapular nerve block. Thereafter, a superior trunk catheter was inserted by anesthesiologists in patients in the continuous superior trunk block group, and a posterior suprascapular nerve catheter was inserted with arthroscopic assistance during the surgery by surgeon in the continuous suprascapular nerve block group. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score at postoperative 24 h, and the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis was also compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 98 patients were included in the final analysis. The worst and resting pain scores at postoperative 24 h in the continuous suprascapular nerve block group were inferior compared with those in the continuous superior trunk block group in the test with a noninferiority margin of 1 (worst pain score: mean difference, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.7; resting pain score: mean difference, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.0 to 1.0). However, the continuous suprascapular nerve block group had a significantly lower incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis at postoperative 24 h than the continuous superior trunk block group.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous suprascapular nerve block provides statistically inferior analgesia compared to the continuous superior trunk block; however, the continuous suprascapular nerve block had a minimal effect on the phrenic nerve function.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Superior Trunk Block Is an Effective Phrenic-Sparing Alternative to Interscalene Block for Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The interscalene block (ISB) is the standard regional anesthesia for shoulder arthroscopy. However, the superior trunk block (STB) is an alternative with a potentially safer profile. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the incidence and degree of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis and block efficacy of these techniques. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The main outcome was total hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. We used the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to assess the certainty of evidence. Four RCTs and 359 patients were included. The STB group showed lower total hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (RR 0.07; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.14; p<0.0001). The incidence of subjective dyspnea (p = 0.002) and Horner's syndrome (p<0.001) was significantly lower with STB relative to ISB. There was no significant difference between groups in block duration (p = 0.67). There was a high certainty of evidence in the main outcome as per the GRADE framework. Our findings suggest that STB has a better safety profile than ISB, resulting in lower rates of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis and dyspnea while providing a similar block. Therefore, STB could be preferred to ISB, especially in patients susceptible to phrenic nerve paralysis complications.

Topographic and morphometric anatomy of the proximal part of the dorsal scapular nerve

The dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) entrapment neuropathy has recently been recognized as a common cause of circumscapular pain and cases of winged scapula. Course of the nerve is important because the middle scalene muscle is frequently accessed for surgical treatments. Studies in the literature have not focused on the morphometric relationship of the DSN with the scalene muscles and its relationship with the long thoracic nerve (LTN). The neck regions of 13 adult cadavers were dissected bilaterally. The relationship of DSN with scalene muscles and LTN was evaluated. Cervical spinal nerves involved in the formation of the DSN were identified. Three types of DSN were observed based on the cervical spinal nerves from which it originates, five types of DSN from its relationship with the scalene muscles, and two types of DSN from its relationship with the LTN. The distance from where the nerve pierces the scalene muscle to the mastoid process was found to be greater in DSNs originating from C4 and C5 (93.85 ± 4.11 mm, p = 0.033). In DSNs not connected with LTN, the distance from where the nerve pierces the scalene muscle to the superior trunk/C5 (12.74 ± 7.73 mm, p = 0.008) and the length of the nerve within the scalene muscle (14.94 ± 5.5 mm, p = 0.029) were found to be statistically significantly greater. The topographic and morphometric anatomy of the proximal part of the DSN is important, especially for scalene muscles-focused surgical treatments and interscalene nerve blocks. We believe our results may guide clinical approaches and surgery.

Regional anesthesia for geriatric population

Advancements in modern health care over 20 years have substantially increased the average lifespan in developed countries, and the fastest growing population is the elderly population. The proportion of people in Saudi Arabia aged 60 or more is predicted to be 25 percent of the total population of 40 million by the end of 2050. Moreover, the number of people aged 80 or more is expected to reach 1.6 million or 4 percent of the total population in the same period. Improvements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and intensive care units make surgical interventions in older and sicker patients possible. It is estimated that over half of the population older than 65 years will require surgical intervention at least once during the remainder of their lives. Therefore, elderly patients are becoming an even larger part of anesthetic practice. Regional anesthesia (RA) is frequently used in elderly patients, especially during orthopedic surgery, genitourologic and gynecologic procedures, and hernia repair. Although age can no longer be considered a contraindication to anesthesia and surgery, anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality remain higher among elderly than among young adult surgical patients. Undoubtedly, peripheral nerve (PN) blocks improve analgesia and reduce opioid consumption and their associated side effects. This is beneficial in the perioperative care of elderly patients who may have less physiologic reserve to withstand the side effects of general anesthesia (GA).

Effects of the costoclavicular block versus interscalene block in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under monitored anesthesia care: a randomized, prospective, non-inferiority study

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have reported that costoclavicular blocks (CCBs) can consistently block almost all branches of the brachial plexus while sparing the phrenic nerve and provide effective analgesia after shoulder surgery. We aimed to compare the efficacy of the CCB with that of the interscalene block (ISB) as the sole blocking technique for shoulder surgery.

METHODS

A total of 212 patients undergoing elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomized to receive an ISB or CCB based on a non-inferiority design. All patients received titration sedation with propofol under monitored anesthesia during surgery. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients with complete motor blockade of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) and incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP). The secondary outcomes included block-related variables, complications, and postoperative pain scores.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with complete motor blockade of the SSN at 20 min between the CCB and ISB groups (53% vs. 66%) exceeded the predefined non-inferiority margin of -5%, but was comparable at 30 min (87% vs. 91%). The CCB resulted in a significantly lower incidence of HDP (7.55% vs. 92.45%), Horner's syndrome (0% vs. 18.87%), and dyspnea (0% vs. 10.38%) than the ISB. None of the patients experienced failed blocks or required conversion to general anesthesia. Pain scores were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided CCBs may be comparable to ISBs, with fewer unfavorable complications in patients with impaired lung function undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Comparison between low-volume local anesthetic with intravenous dexamethasone and conventional volume without dexamethasone for superior trunk block after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate whether low-volume local anesthetic with intravenous dexamethasone can reduce the incidence of diaphragmatic paresis while maintaining the analgesic duration compared with conventional volume of local anesthetic without intravenous dexamethasone when performing ultrasound-guided superior trunk block in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

METHODS

Eighty-four adult patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided superior trunk block using 7 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with 0.15 mg/kg of intravenous dexamethasone (treatment group), or 15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with intravenous normal saline (control group). The co-primary outcomes were (1) the duration of analgesia (time between block completion and onset of surgical pain with a Numeric Rating Scale pain score of 4 or higher), which was compared against a non-inferiority margin of 3 hours, and (2) the incidence of diaphragmatic paresis evaluated using M-mode ultrasonography in the post-anesthesia care unit.

RESULTS

The mean duration of analgesia was 12.4 (6.8) and 11.2 (4.6) hours in the treatment and control groups, respectively (mean difference: -1.2 hours; 95% CI -3.8 to 1.3]; p for non-inferiority<0.001), meeting the non-inferiority criteria. The incidence of diaphragmatic paresis was 45.2% and 85.4% in the treatment and control groups, respectively (relative risk: 0.53; 97.5% CI 0.35 to 0.80; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Superior trunk block using low-volume local anesthetic with intravenous dexamethasone can reduce the incidence of diaphragmatic paresis while providing non-inferior analgesic duration compared with the conventional volume of local anesthetic in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Research Information Service of Republic of Korea Registry (KCT0005998).

Impact of Peripheral Nerve Block Technique on Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Palsy in Shoulder Surgery

Peripheral nerve blocks are an increasingly common method of providing postoperative analgesia for shoulder surgeries. However, the standard technique, the interscalene block (ISB), inevitably causes hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP), secondary to phrenic nerve palsy. This can cause morbidity in patients with preexisting respiratory compromise, prompting investigation into alternative "phrenic-sparing" nerve blocks. The aim of this review was to give an overview of these blocks and critically evaluate the current literature to determine if any are suitable replacements for ISB. The incidence of HDP and analgesic efficacy were considered. We queried four electronic databases and one register. Twenty-eight original articles were selected for review. The use of ultrasound guidance, lower volumes of local anaesthetic (LA), and injection 4 mm outside the brachial plexus fascia reduced HDP incidence for the ISB; however, no single modification did so sufficiently. While the anterior suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) showed comparable analgesic effects to the ISB, HDP prevalence was also high. The posterior SSNB produced consistently low HDP incidences but also inferior analgesia to ISB, except when combined with an infraclavicular brachial plexus block. The superior trunk block (STB) provided equivalent analgesia to the ISB while reducing HDP incidence, but not significantly. Lower LA volumes consistently led to lower HDP incidence across all blocks, likely due to a reduced ability to spread to the phrenic nerve. Further investigation into the minimum effective volumes of the extrafascial ISB, anterior SSNB, STB, and combined posterior SSNB with infraclavicular block is warranted to determine if any of these blocks can successfully balance HDP prevention with analgesic efficacy.

Peri-operative Hemi-diaphragmatic Variations After Brachial Plexus Block Above the Clavicle: A Prospective Observational Study of the Contralateral Side

OBJECTIVE

Hemi-diaphragm palsy after brachial plexus block above the clavicle (BPBAC) occurs frequently, but few patients develop post-operative pulmonary complications (PPC). We hypothesized that contralateral hemidiaphragm function increases after BPBAC. This contralateral function preserves global diaphragmatic function, avoiding PPC in the case of ipsilateral hemi-diaphragm palsy.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study included 64 adult patients undergoing shoulder surgery with planned BPBAC (interscalene brachial plexus block and supraclavicular block). The Thickening Fraction (TF) was measured by ultrasound in both hemi-diaphragms, ipsilateral (TF _ipsilateral) and contralateral (TF_{contralateral}) to the BPBAC, before and after the surgery. TF_global is the sum of TF_ipsilateral and TF_{contralateral}. PPC were defined as occurrences of dyspnea, tachypnea, SpO₂ <90% or SpO₂/FiO₂ <315.

RESULTS

TF_{contralateral} increased significantly (an average of 40%) after BPBAC (p = 0.001), and TF_ipsilateral decreased (an average of 72%). After BPBAC, 86% of patients had a decreased TF_ipsilateral and 59% of patients an increased TF_{contralateral} at post-operatively. Only 17% of patients have PPC.

CONCLUSION

After BPBAC, global diaphragm function decreases because of ipsilateral hemi-diaphragm reduction, but less than expected because of increased contralateral hemi-diaphragm function. As a part of diaphragm function, contralateral hemi-diaphragm function must be checked.

Effect of interscalene brachial plexus block with dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine, a potent and highly selective α2-adrenoreceptor agonist has become a popular adjuvant to local anesthetics. The study was designed to explore the effect of dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

METHODS

Forty-four adult patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group R received 0.25% ropivacaine alone, whereas group RD received 0.25% ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine. A total volume of 15 ml was administered for ultrasound-guided IBPB in both groups. Duration of analgesia, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, frequency of PCA pressed, first time of PCA pressed, sufentanil consumption, and patient satisfaction with analgesia quality were recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with group R, the duration of analgesia was prolonged (8.25±1.76 vs. 11.55±2.41 h; P<0.05), the VAS pain scores were decreased at 8 and 10 h postoperatively (3 (2-3) vs. 0 (0-0) and 2 (2-3) vs. 0 (0-2.25), respectively; P<0.05), the frequencies of PCA pressed were decreased at 4-8 and 8-12 h time intervals (0 (0-0.25) vs. 0 (0-0) and 5 (1.75-6) vs. 0 (0-2), respectively; P<0.05), the time of first PCA pressed was prolonged (9.27±1.85 vs. 12.98±2.35 h; P<0.05), the total 24h sufentanil consumption was reduced (108.72±15.92 vs. 94.65±12.47 μg; P<0.05 ) and patient satisfaction score was also improved (3 (3-4) vs. 4 (4-5); P<0.05) in group RD.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that adding 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine to 0.25% ropivacaine for IBPB provided better postoperative analgesia, decreased the sufentanil consumption and improved the patient's satisfaction in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Regional Anesthesia Techniques for Shoulder Surgery in High-Risk Pulmonary Patients

Patients with pre-existing pulmonary conditions are at risk for experiencing perioperative complications and increased morbidity. General anesthesia has historically been used for shoulder surgery, though regional anesthesia techniques are increasingly used to provide anesthesia and improved pain control after surgery. Relative to regional anesthesia, patients who undergo general anesthesia may be more prone to risks of barotrauma, postoperative hypoxemia, and pneumonia. High-risk pulmonary patients, in particular, may be exposed to these risks of general anesthesia. Traditional regional anesthesia techniques for shoulder surgery are associated with high rates of phrenic nerve paralysis which significantly impairs pulmonary function. Newer regional anesthesia techniques have been developed, however, that provide effective analgesia and surgical anesthesia while having much lower rates of phrenic nerve paralysis, thereby preserving pulmonary function.

Recent updates on interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery

Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) provides optimal analgesia for shoulder surgery. However, several limitations still exist, including the short duration of analgesia, rebound pain, a high incidence of unilateral diaphragmatic paresis, and potential risk of nerve damage, prompting the search for alternative techniques. Many alternatives to ISBPB have been studied to alleviate these concerns, and clinicians should choose an appropriate option based on the patient's condition. In this mini-review, we aimed to present recent updates on ISBPB while discussing our clinical experiences in shoulder surgery.

Opioid-Sparing Analgesic Effects from Interscalene Block Impact Anesthetic Management During Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Observational Study

Purpose

Ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block (UISB) is commonly used to alleviate postoperative pain during shoulder arthroscopy. This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the intraoperative advantages and analgesic effects of preoperative UISB.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective observational study, a total of 170 patients underwent shoulder arthroscopy at a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan throughout 2019. After applying the exclusion criteria, 142 of these cases were included, with 74 and 68 in the UISB group and control groups, respectively. The primary outcome was the evaluation of intraoperative morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption. Secondary outcomes were sevoflurane consumption, the use of intraoperative antihypertensive drugs, and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and in the ward at 24 h after surgery.

Results

Preoperative UISB effectively reduced opioids and volatile gases during surgery, supported by a 48.1% and 14.8% reduction in the median intraoperative MME and sevoflurane concentrations, respectively, and showed less need for antihypertensive drugs. The preoperative UISB group also showed significantly better performance on the VAS in both the PACU and ward.

Conclusion

Taken together, the preoperative UISB reduced not only intraoperative MME and sevoflurane consumption but also had satisfactory VAS scores in both the PACU and ward without any symptomatic respiratory complications. In summary, preoperative UISB is a reliable adjuvant analgesic technique and a key factor in achieving opioid-sparing and sevoflurane-sparing anesthesia and multimodal analgesia during shoulder arthroscopy.

Ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block combined with clavipectoral fascial plane block or interscalene brachial plexus block in clavicle surgery: a single-centre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

The sensory innervation of the clavicle is complex, and the best regional block technology for clavicular surgery has yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to compare the application of ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block combined with clavipectoral fascial plane block verses interscalene brachial plexus block in clavicular surgery. Fifty patients undergoing internal fixation surgery for elective clavicle fractures were randomly divided into two groups (n = 25 for each group): group I and group II. Superficial cervical plexus block combined with clavipectoral fascial plane block was used in group I, and superficial cervical plexus block combined with interscalene brachial plexus block was used in group II. The primary outcome measure was the duration of analgesia. The duration of analgesia in group I was significantly longer than that in group II (P < 0.05). The modified Bromage scale function score in group II was lower than that in group I (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the skin acupuncture pain score 30 min after block and visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 6 and 12 h after surgery. However, the 24 h VAS score in group I was lower than that in group II (P < 0.05). The incidence of diaphragmatic paralysis was significantly increased in group II (P < 0.01). Ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block combined with clavipectoral fascial plane block can be used for clavicular surgery. It has a long postoperative analgesia time, can retain the motor function of the involved upper limb and does not cause hemidiaphragmatic paresis.Clinical trial number and registry URL: Clinical Trials.gov; Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000039383; Date of registration: 25 October 2020.

Comparison of the anesthesia effect of ultrasound-guided middle and low interscalene brachial plexus block: a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided low interscalene brachial plexus block (LISB) can provide satisfactory anesthesia for surgery at or below the elbow. However, the anesthesia effect of ultrasound-guided middle interscalene brachial plexus block (MISB) has not been fully investigated. We hypothesized that MISB provides a non-inferior anesthesia effect to LISB for surgery at or below the elbow.

METHODS

A total of 82 patients with ASA I-III (18-65 years) scheduled for elective surgery at or below the elbow were randomized to the MISB group or the LISB group equally, located 1/2 or 2/3 of the caudal distance from C6 to the clavicle. Both groups were administered 15 mL 0.5% ropivacaine at the lower part of the brachial plexus with the first injection and equivalent volume at the upper part with the second injection.

RESULTS

For the primary outcome, 92.3% in the MISB group experienced successful anesthesia compared to 94.6% in the LISB group [difference: -2.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -13.4% to 8.8%], exceeding the predefined non-inferiority margin -15%. For the secondary outcomes, the incidence of pleura suppression for the first injection (7.7% vs. 45.9%, P < 0.001) and the time to perform the block (9.9 ± 1.3 vs. 10.7 ± 1.3 min, P = 0.006) were significantly less in MISB compared to LISB. No significant differences were observed in the consumption of perioperative rescue analgesics, VAS score, and adverse events within the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MISB provides a non-inferior anesthesia effect to LISB for surgery at or below the elbow.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register (identifier: ChiCTR2100054196).

Ultrasound-guided selective trunk block: Evaluation of ipsilateral sensorimotor block dynamics, hemidiaphragmatic function and efficacy for upper extremity surgery. A single-centre cohort study

BACKGROUND

Selectively locating and blocking the individual trunks of the brachial plexus with small volumes of local anaesthetic, a selective trunk block (SeTB), may produce anaesthesia of the entire upper extremity except for the T2 dermatome.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ultrasound-guided (USG) SeTB on ipsilateral sensorimotor block dynamics, hemidiaphragmatic function, and efficacy as an all-purpose regional anaesthetic technique for upper extremity surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single-centre, university hospital in Hong Kong, China from February 2021 to July 2021.

PATIENTS

Thirty patients (aged 53.2 ± 14.8 years and BMI 23.8 ± 3.6 kg m - 2 ), ASA physical status I to III, scheduled for upper extremity surgery under a brachial plexus block.

INTERVENTIONS

USG SeTB with 25 ml (7, 8 and 10 ml to the superior, middle and inferior trunks, respectively) of a 1 : 1 mixture of 2% lidocaine with 1 : 200 000 epinephrine and 0.5% levobupivacaine.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ipsilateral sensorimotor blockade of the suprascapular (only motor), axillary, radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerves were assessed at regular intervals for 45 min. Ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic excursion was also measured, at 30 min after the SeTB, using M-mode ultrasound. The SeTB was considered a success if it was possible to complete surgery without any rescue analgesia or conversion to general anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Complete motor blockade of the suprascapular nerve was achieved in median [range] 5 [5 to 15] min. Complete sensory and motor blockade were achieved in all the other 5 nerves in 17.5 [10 to 30] and 15 [10 to 30] min respectively. The SeTB was successful in 93% and ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP) was present in 82%, of patients.

CONCLUSION

SeTB produces sensorimotor blockade of the entire upper extremity, causes ipsilateral HDP, and is effective as the sole anaesthetic for surgery from the proximal humerus to the hand.

TRIAL REGISTRION

ClinicalTrials.gov, Trial Registration No: NCT04752410, Date submitted for Registration: 09 February 2021, Date first posted: 12 February 2021, Dates of patient enrolment: 19 February 2021 to 27 July 2021 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04752410 ).

Randomised comparison between superior trunk and costoclavicular blocks for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A noninferiority study

BACKGROUND

Superior trunk block (STB) provides noninferior analgesia to the interscalene block and reduces the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP). Recently, supraclavicular spreading has also been shown to occur during costoclavicular block (CCB), presenting as an alternative analgesic technique for shoulder surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in postoperative pain scores and HDP incidence between STB and CCB.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Chungnam National University Hospital in Daejeon from January to July 2021.

PATIENTS

Seventy patients, aged 20 to 70 years with ASA Physical Status classifications I to III and scheduled for elective arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were recruited.

INTERVENTION

Ultrasound-guided STB or CCB was performed with 20 ml 0.5% ropivacaine.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the pain score (numeric rating scale, NRS) at 1 h postsurgery. A 1.4 (NRS) noninferiority margin was set a priori . The incidence of HDP, postoperative change of pulmonary function and postoperative opioid use were included as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The pain score was higher in the CCB group compared with the STB group at 1 h postoperatively (median difference, 2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1 to 3; noninferiority was not demonstrated). Two patients in the CCB group received a rescue interscalene block due to severe postoperative pain. The incidence of complete HDP was lower in the CCB group (risk difference, -26%; 95% CI, -6 to -45%; P  < 0.001). The median reduction in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were also significantly lower in the CCB group.

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of HDP was lower, CCB did not show noninferiority in immediate postoperative analgesia compared with STB in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry of Korea (KCT0005822, principal investigator: Boohwi Hong) on 25 January 2021 ( https://cris.nih.go.kr ).

Regional Anesthetic and Analgesic Techniques for Clavicle Fractures and Clavicle Surgeries: Part 1—A Scoping Review

Objective. Clavicle fractures are common injuries potentially associated with significant perioperative pain. However, this region’s complex sensory innervation poses a challenge for regional anesthetic or analgesic (RA) techniques. We conducted this scoping review to summarize the current literature, particularly with regards to motor-sparing techniques. Methods. A scoping review was carried out in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s framework. All articles describing the use of RA for clavicle fractures or surgery were included. PubMed^®, Ovid MEDLINE^®, EMBASE^®, Scopus^®, CINAHL^®, and the Cochrane database were searched without language restrictions. Results. Database searches identified 845 articles, 44 of which were included in this review, with a combined patient total of 3161. We included all peer-reviewed publications containing clinical data and summarized the findings. Conclusions. Current evidence of RA techniques in clavicle surgery is heterogeneous, with different approaches used to overcome the overlapping sensory innervation. The literature largely comprises case reports/series, with several randomized controlled trials. Intermediate cervical plexus block is the regional technique of choice for clavicle surgery, and can provide reliable surgical anesthesia when combined with an interscalene block. Cervical plexus block can provide motor-sparing analgesia following clavicle surgery. Promising alternatives include the clavipectoral block, which is a novel motor-sparing regional technique. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy and safety of various techniques.

A randomised controlled trial in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery comparing interscalene block with either 10 ml or 20 ml levobupivacaine 0.25

The interscalene brachial plexus block is recommended for analgesia after shoulder surgery but it may cause hemidiaphragmatic dysfunction. We tested whether ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic contraction was better after a smaller dose of local anaesthetic without impairing analgesic effect. We randomly allocated 48 adults to 10 ml or 20 ml levobupivacaine 0.25% before arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The primary outcome was hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, defined as inspiratory thickness < 1.2 times expiratory thickness, measured by ultrasound 4 h after block. Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was recorded for 6/24 vs. 23/24 supine participants after 10 ml vs. 20 ml levobupivacaine 0.25%, respectively, and for 4/24 vs. 23/24 sitting participants, respectively, p < 0.001 for both. Pain scores after 10 ml injectate were not worse than after 20 ml injectate. Median (IQR [range]) morphine doses in the first 24 postoperative hours after 10 ml and 20 ml levobupivacaine 0.25% were 2 (0-6 [0-23]) mg vs. 1 (0-2 [0-11]) mg, respectively, p = 0.12. No participant had a complication after 10 ml interscalene levobupivacaine, whereas seven had complications after 20 ml levobupivacaine, p = 0.009. Hemidiaphragmatic function was better after 10 ml vs. 20 ml interscalene levobupivacaine 0.25% without impairing analgesia for 24 postoperative hours.

Effect of remifentanil on post-operative analgesic consumption in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty after interscalene brachial plexus block: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Remifentanil is useful in balanced anesthesia; however, there is concern regarding opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The effect of remifentanil on rebound pain, characterized by hyperalgesia after peripheral nerve block has rarely been studied. This study evaluated whether intraoperative remifentanil infusion may increase postoperative analgesic requirement in patients receiving preoperative interscalene brachial plexus block (IBP).

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to remifentanil (R) or control (C) group. Preoperative IBP with 0.5% ropivacaine 15 mL was performed in all patients. Intraoperative remifentanil was administered only in the R group. Postoperative pain was controlled using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) and rescue analgesics. The primary outcome was the dosage of fentanyl-nefopam IV-PCA infused over 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included the numeric rating scale (NRS) score recorded at 4-h intervals over 24 h, amount of rescue analgesics and total postoperative analgesics used over 24 h, occurrence of intraoperative hypotension, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and delirium.

RESULTS

The dosage of fentanyl-nefopam IV-PCA was significantly less in C group than R group for postoperative 24 h. Fentanyl 101 [63-158] (median [interquartile range]) µg was used in the C group, while fentanyl 161 [103-285] µg was used in the R group (median difference 64 µg, 95% CI 10-121 µg, P = 0.02). Nefopam 8.1 [5.0-12.6] mg was used in the C group, while nefopam 12.9 [8.2-22.8] mg was used in the R group (median difference 5.1 mg, 95% CI 0.8-9.7 mg, P = 0.02). The total analgesic consumption: the sum of PCA consumption and administered rescue analgesic dose, converted to morphine milligram equivalents, was higher in the R group than C group (median difference 10.9 mg, 95% CI 3.0-19.0 mg, P = 0.01). The average NRS score, the incidence of PONV and delirium, were similar in both groups. The incidence of intraoperative hypotension was higher in R group than C group (47.1% vs. 20.6%, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Remifentanil administration during arthroscopic shoulder surgery in patients undergoing preoperative IBP increased postoperative analgesic consumption.

Comparison Between Subparaneural Upper Trunk and Conventional Interscalene Blocks for Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial

BACKGROUND

Although interscalene nerve block is the standard for shoulder analgesia, the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis restricts its use in patients with compromised pulmonary function. We hypothesized that a novel subparaneural upper trunk block would provide noninferior postoperative analgesia but superior diaphragmatic sparing effect compared to interscalene block.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial comprised 96 patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery under either subparaneural upper trunk block (5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine) or interscalene block (15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine), followed by supraclavicular nerve block (5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine). General anesthesia was standardized. The coprimary outcomes were (1) recovery room resting pain score at 30 minutes, measured on an 11-point numerical rating scale, with a prespecified noninferiority margin of 1 point and (2) the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, diagnosed using ultrasound. Among secondary outcomes, resting pain scores were assessed with numerical rating scale at 4, 8, and 24 hours postoperatively.

RESULTS

Recovery room resting pain scores at 30 minutes were 0 (0-1) in the subparaneural upper trunk group versus 0 (0-0) in the interscalene group, with a median difference of 0 (95% CI, 0-0); the upper 95% CI limit was lower than the prespecified noninferiority margin (noninferiority P < .001). Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was observed in 16.7% of patients in the subparaneural upper trunk group versus 100% of those in the interscalene group (RR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09-0.31; P < .001), with complete paralysis occurring in 6.3% and 93.7% of patients, respectively. In this study, any reported differences in pain scores at 4, 8, and 24 hours postoperatively were not clinically important.

CONCLUSIONS

The subparaneural upper trunk block compared to interscalene block provided noninferior analgesia at 30 minutes in the recovery room after arthroscopic shoulder surgery but resulted in less hemidiaphragmatic paralysis.

Continuous interscalene versus phrenic nerve-sparing high-thoracic erector spinae plane block for total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The high-thoracic erector spinae plane block (HT-ESPB) has been reported as an effective analgesic modality for the shoulder region without phrenic nerve palsy. The goal of this study was to compare the HT-ESPB as a phrenic nerve-sparing alternative to an interscalene block for total shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

Thirty patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty at Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, CA, USA) were enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. We randomized 28 patients to receive either an interscalene or HT-ESPB perineural catheter preoperatively; 26 patients were included in the final analysis. The study was powered for the primary outcome of incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Other outcome measures included incentive spirometry volume, brachial plexus motor and sensory exams, adverse events, pain scores, and opioid consumption.

RESULTS

The incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis in the HT-ESPB catheter group was significantly lower than in the interscalene catheter group (0/12, 0% vs 14/14, 100%; P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in pain scores and opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents) between the interscalene and HT-ESPB groups through postoperative day (POD) 2. Nevertheless, the mean (standard deviation) point estimates for opioid consumption for the HT-ESPB group were higher than for the interscalene group in the PACU (HT-ESPB: 24.8 [26.7] mg; interscalene: 10.7 [21.7] mg) and for POD 0 (HT-ESPB: 20.5 [25.0] mg; interscalene: 6.7 [12.0] mg). In addition, cumulative postoperative opioid consumption was significantly higher at POD 0 (PACU through POD 0) in the HT-ESPB group (45.3 [39.9] mg) than in the interscalene group (16.6 [21.9] mg; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that continuous HT-ESPB can be a phrenic nerve-sparing alternative to continuous interscalene brachial plexus blockade, although the latter provided superior opioid-sparing in the immediate postoperative period. This was a small sample size study, and further investigations powered to detect differences in analgesic and quality of recovery score endpoints are needed.

STUDY REGISTRATION

www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT03807505); registered 17 January 2019.

Anesthesia for the Patient Undergoing Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery introduces important anesthesia considerations. The interscalene nerve block is considered the gold standard regional anesthetic technique and can serve as the primary anesthetic or can be used for postoperative analgesia. Phrenic nerve blockade is a limitation of the interscalene block and various phrenic-sparing strategies and techniques have been described. Patient positioning is another important anesthetic consideration and can be associated with significant hemodynamic effects and position-related injuries.

Effect of superior trunk block on diaphragm function and respiratory parameters after shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND

The interscalene brachial plexus block has been used effectively for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder surgery, but it is associated with high rates of diaphragmatic dysfunction. Performing the block more distally, at the level of the superior trunk, may reduce the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy. We hypothesized that superior trunk block would result in diaphragmatic paralysis rate of less than 20%.

METHODS

30 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery received superior trunk block under ultrasound guidance. Measurements of diaphragm excursion were determined with ultrasound prior to the block, 15 min after the block, and postoperatively in phase II of postanesthesia care unit, in conjunction with clinical parameters of respiratory function.

RESULTS

10 patients (33.3%, 95% CI 17.3% to 52.8%) developed complete hemidiaphragmatic paralysis at the postoperative assessment. An additional eight patients (26.7%) developed paresis without paralysis. Of the 18 patients with diaphragm effects, seven (38.9%) reported dyspnea. 83.3% of patients with abnormal diaphragm motion (56.7% of the total sample) had audibly reduced breath sounds on auscultation. Oxygen saturation measurements did not correlate with diaphragm effect and were not significantly reduced by the postoperative assessment.

CONCLUSION

Although injection of local anesthetic at the superior trunk level is associated with less diaphragmatic paralysis compared with traditional interscalene block, a significant portion of patients will continue to have ultrasonographic and clinical evidence of diaphragmatic weakness or paralysis.

Selective blockade of supraclavicular nerves and upper trunk of brachial plexus "The SCUT block" towards a site-specific regional anaesthesia strategy for clavicle surgeries - A descriptive study

Background and Aims:

Commonly, the superficial cervical plexus and interscalene block were combined to provide surgical anaesthesia for procedures on the clavicle, which are neither selective nor site-specific considering the innervation of the clavicle. The aim was to analyse effectiveness and block dynamics of selectively blocking supraclavicular (SC) nerves and upper trunk (UT) of brachial plexus (SCUT BLOCK) as a site-specific regional anaesthesia strategy for clavicle surgery.

Methods:

SC nerves and UT were blocked with 3-ml and 5-ml local anaesthetic, respectively, in 70 American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients aged above 18 years, undergoing clavicle surgery. Sensory-motor conduction blockade was assessed in both the plexus territories, following which surgery ensued. Number of patients who exhibited complete conduction blockade of the targeted nerves, number of surgeries completed under the block, intraoperative rescue analgesics, duration of postoperative analgesia and complications were recorded.

Results:

Sensory and motor mapping showed complete conduction blockade of the targeted nerves in all patients, all other branches were spared. The surgery was completed exclusively under block in 67 (Strategy success rate 96%) out of 70 patients. Intraoperatively, two patients required supplementation of block with a local infiltration and general anaesthesia was administered for one patient. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia was 5 (1.2) hours [mean (standard deviation)]. Only one patient developed ptosis; no other complications were noted.

Conclusions:

“The SCUT block” is an effective site-specific regional anaesthesia strategy for clavicle surgery.

Postoperative Pain Control After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Arthroscopy-Guided Continuous Suprascapular Nerve Block Versus Ultrasound-Guided Continuous Interscalene Block

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of arthroscopy-guided continuous suprascapular nerve block and ultrasound-guided continuous interscalene block in postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed between March and November 2020. In total, 76 patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: in the 38 patients of group 1 (arthroscopy-guided continuous suprascapular nerve block), an indwelling catheter was introduced via the Neviaser portal under arthroscopic view before closing the portal at the end of the surgery; and in the 38 patients of group 2 (ultrasound-guided continuous interscalene block), an indwelling catheter was inserted and directed toward the interscalene brachial plexus prior to the surgery under ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome was the pain score measured by the visual analog scale at postoperative 24 hours during admission. Comparisons were conducted at different time points (postoperative 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours). The secondary outcome was any of these events: neurologic complications, such as sensory/motor change in the upper extremities; hemidiaphragmatic paresis; dyspnea; dysphonia; and Horner's syndrome. Opioid usage until postoperative 3 weeks was compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The visual analog scale scores in groups 1 and 2 were comparable at each postoperative time point (analysis of variance, P = .919; trends, P = .132). Neurologic deficits were more common in group 2 than in group 1 (8 vs 32 patients, P < .001). Decreased excursion of the diaphragm was more common in group 2 (partial or complete paresis of the hemidiaphragm: 1 vs 29 patients, P < .001). Opioid consumption was similar in both groups (morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram; 1.75 vs 1.55, P = .195).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that arthroscopy-guided continuous suprascapular nerve block is not inferior to ultrasound-guided continuous interscalene block for postoperative pain control after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair while showing fewer temporary neurologic complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective cohort study, interventional study.

Effects of Local Anesthetic Volume (Standard Versus Low) on Incidence of Hemidiaphragmatic Paralysis and Analgesic Quality for Ultrasound-Guided Superior Trunk Block After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

BACKGROUND

Relative to interscalene block, superior trunk block (STB) provides comparable analgesia and a reduced risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. However, the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis remains high when a standard volume (15 mL) of local anesthetic is used. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of local anesthetic volume of STB on the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy, as well as its analgesic efficacy following arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided STB using either 5- or 15-mL 0.5% ropivacaine before general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis at 30 minutes after block. The secondary outcomes were pulmonary function, grade of sensory and motor blockade, pain score, opioid consumption, adverse effects, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

Relative to standard-volume STB, low-volume STB was associated with a lower incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after block (14.3 [4.8%-30.3%] vs 65.7 [46.8%-80.9%]; difference 51.4% [95% confidence intervals {CIs}, 29.0%-67.1%]; P < .0001) and at the postanesthesia care unit (9.4% vs 50.0%; difference 40.6 [95% CI, 18.9%-57.7%]; P = .0004). Pulmonary function was also better preserved in the low-volume group than in the standard-volume group. The extent of the sensory and motor blocks was significantly different between the groups. Pain-related outcomes, satisfaction, and any adverse events were not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-volume STB provided a lower incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis with no significant difference in analgesic efficacy relative to standard-volume STB for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Perioperative anaesthetic considerations for rotator cuff repair surgeries: A current concept review

Surgeries for Rotator Cuff (RC) pathologies are required for either trauma or degenerative related aetiologies. Various surgical techniques from open to arthroscopic repair, are being undertaken by orthopaedic surgeons. Peri-operative anaesthetic management of the patients undergoing rotator cuff repair requires understanding the surgical procedure and patient status for optimal anaesthetic planning. Such management mandates a thorough pre-operative evaluation, including clinical history, examination, and relevant investigations. Patients with acute trauma associated Rotator Cuff (RC) tears should be assessed for visceral injuries using appropriate injury evaluation systems before such repairs. On the other hand, patients with degenerative tears tend to be older with associated comorbidities. Hence pre-operative optimisation is necessary according to risk stratification. Anaesthetic techniques for Rotator Cuff (RC) surgery include general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia. These are individualised according to patient assessment and surgical procedure planned. Knowledge of relevant surgical anatomy is essential for intra-operative, and post-operative neural blockade techniques since optimal peri-operative analgesia improve overall patient recovery. The occurrence of a peri-operative complication should be recognised as timely management improves the patient-related surgical outcomes. We describe the relevance of surgical anatomy, the effect of patient positioning, irrigating fluids, various anaesthetic techniques and an overview of regional and medical interventions to manage pain in patients undergoing for Rotator Cuff (RC) surgery.

Diaphragmatic paralysis, respiratory function, and postoperative pain after interscalene brachial plexus block with a reduced dose of 10 ml levobupivacaine 0.25% versus a 20 ml dose in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery: study protocol for the randomized controlled double-blind REDOLEV study

Background

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery causes severe postoperative pain. An interscalene brachial plexus block provides adequate analgesia, but unintended spread of the local anesthetic administered may result in a phrenic nerve block, usually associated with a nonnegligible incidence of acute hemidiaphragmatic paralysis.

The main purpose of this trial will be to analyze the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis ensuing after interscalene brachial plexus block in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery administered a standard volume (20 ml) vs. a low volume (10 ml) of levobupivacaine 0.25%.

Methods

This will be a prospective double-blind randomized controlled single-center two-arm comparative trial. Forty-eight patients will be included. The primary goal will be to ultrasonographically determine the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis by calculating the diaphragmatic thickness ratio in each group. The secondary goals will be to compare the two arms in terms of (1) decrease in forced vital capacity and (2) in forced expiratory volume at 1 s by spirometry; (3) decrease in diaphragmatic excursion by ultrasound; (4) 24-h total intravenous morphine consumption; (5) time to first opioid request of a patient-controlled analgesia pump; and (6) postoperative complications.

Discussion

This trial will demonstrate that a low-volume interscalene brachial plexus block decreases hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following arthroscopic shoulder surgery according to spirometry and ultrasound measurements and does not provide inferior postoperative analgesia to the standard volume, as measured by opioid requirements.

Trial registration

EudraCT and Spanish Trial Register (REec) registration number: 2019-003855-12 (registered on 7 January 2020). ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT04385966 (retrospectively registered on 8 May 2020). Ethics Committee approval: EC19/093 (18 December 2019).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05216-6.

[The impact of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis on sleep-disordered breathing: a scoping review]

BACKGROUND

Unilateral diaphragm paralysis (UDP) may potentially worsen sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Unilateral diaphragm paralysis has been associated with proximal brachial plexus blockade, such as interscalene and supraclavicular block. The impact of UDP in patients with SDB is not known in this context. The objectives of this scoping review were to explore the associations between UDP and worsening SDB severity, oxygenation, and pulmonary function.

METHODS

A systematic search was developed, peer-reviewed, and applied to Embase, Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases to include studies involving adult patients (≥ 18 yr) with SDB, where the effects of UDP on SDB severity, oxygenation, and pulmonary function were examined.

RESULTS

Six studies (n = 100 patients) with UDP and SDB were included. The sample population was derived exclusively from respirology-sleep clinics, and none were surgical patients. Compared with control (no UDP), UDP was associated with an increased respiratory disturbance index, most pronounced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and supine sleep. Supine and REM sleep were associated with obstructive and mixed (both obstructive and central) events, respectively. Compared with control, UDP was associated with a lower mean and minimum oxygen saturation and arterial oxygen tension during all sleep stages and in all body positions. The majority of UDP patients were found to have clinically significant reductions in mean forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity values, consistent with restrictive ventilatory pattern.

CONCLUSION

We observed an association between UDP and increasing SDB severity, particularly during REM sleep and while sleeping in the supine position. Although we identified weaknesses in study design and lack of perioperative data, anesthesiologists should be aware of this association when considering proximal brachial plexus blockade in patients with SDB.

Ultrasound-Guided Upper Trunk Perineural Catheter for Shoulder Surgery: A Description of Catheter Technique

Interscalene brachial plexus block is frequently utilized for anesthesia and analgesia of complex and painful shoulder surgeries. But unintentional phrenic nerve blockade is a bane to the existence of this technique. Single-injection upper trunk blockade has emerged as a promising approach that appears to preserve phrenic nerve function better than the interscalene approach. The purpose of this case series is to describe the sonoanatomy, technique, and utility of a continuous upper trunk block, not previously described in the literature.

Truncal injection brachial plexus block: A Description of a novel injection technique and dose finding study

Background and Aims

Brachial plexus (BP) blocks continue to be described with reference to anatomical landmarks (Interscalene and Supraclavicular), even after the introduction of ultrasound which enables us to directly identify the roots, trunks and divisions of the BP. The aim of this study was to describe a novel injection technique targeting trunks of BP and to determine the minimum effective local anaesthetic volume (MELAV) required to produce BP block with this approach.

Methods

Twenty-one male patients in the age group 20-40 years, undergoing elective forearm bony procedures received an ultrasound-guided truncal injection BP block. MELAV₅₀ was determined using the Dixon and Mood up-and-down method. Initial volume of local anaesthetic (LA; 50:50 mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% and lignocaine 2% with 5 μg/ml epinephrine) injected was 6 ml in each trunk, which was varied by 1 ml/trunk for each consecutive patient according to the response of the previous patient. The MELAV₅₀, MELAV₉₅ and MELAV₉₉ were calculated using Probit transformation and logistic regression.

Results

Out of the 21 patients, 13 patients had a successful block. The MELAV₅₀, MELAV₉₅ and MELAV₉₉ were 7.41, 10.47 and 12 ml, respectively. Eight patients in whom block failed had sparing in the ulnar and median nerve territories.

Conclusion

Trunks of the brachial plexus can be identified and targeted for the injection of local anaesthetics. The MELAV₅₀ and MELAV₉₅ required for ultrasound-guided truncal injection brachial plexus block were 7.4 and 10.4 ml, respectively.