Modified Continuous Arthroscopy-Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Control Following Rotator Cuff Repair: Surgical Technique

Abstract

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is one of the most painful surgical procedures; patients complain of pain especially during the first 48 hours postoperatively. Pain management is an essential goal to reduce the demand for analgesic agents and patient discomfort. Various methods have been introduced for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, including continuous arthroscopy-guided suprascapular nerve blocks (SSNB) and interscalene nerve blocks. However, the aforementioned procedures have shown disadvantages such as catheter mobilization, which may cause injury to the artery, a weak analgesic effect, and Horner syndrome, as well as phrenic nerve paralysis. A modification of the continuous arthroscopy-guided SSNB has been introduced at our hospital: the modified continuous arthroscopy-guided SSNB technique. The aim of this technique is to immobilize the catheter to reduce the chance of injury and minimize postsurgical analgesic needs and patient discomfort.