Postoperative Acute PainNCT07483814
Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Interscalene and Suprascapular Blocks Used in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
An observational study of Postoperative Acute Pain and Chronic Pain, run by Aydin Adnan Menderes University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The Importance of Postoperative Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery Shoulder surgery is an orthopedic procedure that can be performed either through open surgery or arthroscopically. Pain following shoulder surgery can lead to adverse outcomes such as decreased functional status, increased consumption of narcotic… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Postoperative Acute Pain, Chronic Pain
- What is being tested?
- rescue analgesia
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- How many people
- 84 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2024to 1 Jun 2027
- How long will I take part?
- 3 Months
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Once suitability is confirmed, detailed information about the work programs is provided in glossary and written form. Random grouping (randomization) and work will be specifically approved after being informed before any process.
Who may be able to join
- Patients who have provided written informed consent
- Patients over 18 years of age scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy
- Patients classified as ASA I-II
- Patients undergoing general anesthesia
Who cannot join
- Patients undergoing shoulder surgery other than arthroscopic procedures (e.g., revision or open surgery)
- Patients with pre-existing respiratory, cardiac, renal, neurological, or hepatic diseases
- Presence of neuropathy affecting the brachial plexus
- Contraindications to peripheral nerve block (e.g., coagulopathy)
- Known allergy to local anesthetics
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Adnan menderesüniversite Hastanesi
Aydin, Efeler, 09010
About this study
Official title: Comparison of the Analgesic Effects and Side Effects of Interscalene and Suprascapular Blocks for Pain Control Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
The Importance of Postoperative Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder surgery is an orthopedic procedure that can be performed either through open surgery or arthroscopically. Pain following shoulder surgery can lead to adverse outcomes such as decreased functional status, increased consumption of narcotic analgesics, and the development of chronic pain.
Therefore, achieving optimal postoperative shoulder analgesia is important not only for patient comfort and satisfaction but also for promoting functional recovery, preventing chronic pain, and reducing the need for narcotic analgesics. Additionally, minimizing the side effects associated with nerve block techniques used for analgesia is crucial for the overall success of the treatment.
Read the detailed description
The innervation of the shoulder joint is provided by the axillary, musculocutaneous, subscapular, and suprascapular nerves, all of which originate from the brachial plexus. The suprascapular nerve passes through the suprascapular notch on the superior border of the scapula and supplies motor branches to the rotator cuff muscles. Suprascapular nerve block is widely used in the management of shoulder pain.
Regional anesthesia techniques are among the most effective methods for postoperative analgesia. Peripheral nerve blocks, a subtype of regional anesthesia, are particularly suitable for postoperative pain control in shoulder surgeries due to their ability to provide long-lasting and effective analgesia, reduce opioid requirements and related side effects or dependency, and facilitate recovery by promoting early functional restoration.Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is commonly used for analgesia in shoulder surgery and is considered the gold standard technique. However, ISB also blocks the phrenic nerve (C3-C5), which may result in ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP). This can cause respiratory complications, particularly in patients with preexisting pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or morbid obesity.
The suprascapular nerve block (SSB), applied at a more distal level of the brachial plexus, preserves the phrenic nerve and thus minimizes the respiratory side effects associated with ISB.
- Conditions
- Postoperative Acute Pain, Chronic Pain
- Being tested
- rescue analgesia
- Keywords
- shoulder arthroscopy, interscalene block, suprascapular block, brachial plexus
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative, Chronic Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
rescue analgesiaOther
In the postoperative recovery room, patients with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 4 or higher received 100 mg of intravenous tramadol as rescue analgesia. In addition, both groups routinely received 1 g of intravenous paracetamol every 6 hours during their stay in the ward. During ward follow-up, if the NRS score was 4 or higher, 100 mg of intravenous tramadol was administered as needed.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Suprascapular block | For Group I, after the patients were positioned in the sitting posture, reference points were identified based on anatomical landmarks, including the scapular spine and the acromion. A linear ultrasound probe (13-6 MHz) was used to guide the procedure, targeting the suprascapular notch. Under sterile conditions, a 22-gauge × 100 mm needle (Braun® Stimuplex) was advanced, and following negative aspiration, 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine was injected. Receives: Other: rescue analgesia | |
| Interscalene block | For Group II, patients were positioned in the supine or semi-sitting position with the head turned to the contralateral side to facilitate access to the lateral aspect of the neck. Following antiseptic skin preparation, a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe (6-13 MHz) was placed transversely on the lateral neck. The C5-C7 nerve roots were identified as hyperechoic structures located between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. Using an in-plane ultrasound-guided approach, a 22-gauge, 50-100 mm nerve block needle was advanced into the interscalene groove. After confirming negative aspiration, 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine was administered around the nerve roots. Receives: Other: rescue analgesia |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The analgesic efficacy of interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.
It is a pain intensity assessment system based on the patient indicating a point between 0 (no pain) and 10 (unbearable pain) to describe their pain level.
Measured: the first 48 hours postoperatively
Secondary outcomes (1)
The development of chronic pain following interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.
Postoperative chronic pain will be evaluated after 3 months using a numerical rating pain scale: 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain).
Measured: 3 months postoperatively
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2024
- Primary completion1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jun 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postoperative Acute PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Aydin Adnan Menderes UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (estimated)
- Target duration
- 3 Months
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Durali Bayka, Aydin Adnan Menderes University
- Investigators
- Durali BAYKA, Principal investigator
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07483814
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2023/12/01
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 19 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Analgesic Effects and Side Effects of Interscalene and Suprascapular Blocks for Pain Control Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07483814
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2023/12/01
- Conditions
- Postoperative Acute Pain, Chronic Pain
- Keywords
- shoulder arthroscopy, interscalene block, suprascapular block, brachial plexus
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Aydin Adnan Menderes UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The Importance of Postoperative Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder surgery is an orthopedic procedure that can be performed either through open surgery or arthroscopically. Pain following shoulder surgery can lead to adverse outcomes such as decreased functional status, increased consumption of narcotic analgesics, and the development of chronic pain.
Therefore, achieving optimal postoperative shoulder analgesia is important not only for patient comfort and satisfaction but also for promoting functional recovery, preventing chronic pain, and reducing the need for narcotic analgesics. Additionally, minimizing the side effects associated with nerve block techniques used for analgesia is crucial for the overall success of the treatment.
Detailed description
The innervation of the shoulder joint is provided by the axillary, musculocutaneous, subscapular, and suprascapular nerves, all of which originate from the brachial plexus. The suprascapular nerve passes through the suprascapular notch on the superior border of the scapula and supplies motor branches to the rotator cuff muscles. Suprascapular nerve block is widely used in the management of shoulder pain.
Regional anesthesia techniques are among the most effective methods for postoperative analgesia. Peripheral nerve blocks, a subtype of regional anesthesia, are particularly suitable for postoperative pain control in shoulder surgeries due to their ability to provide long-lasting and effective analgesia, reduce opioid requirements and related side effects or dependency, and facilitate recovery by promoting early functional restoration.Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is commonly used for analgesia in shoulder surgery and is considered the gold standard technique. However, ISB also blocks the phrenic nerve (C3-C5), which may result in ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP). This can cause respiratory complications, particularly in patients with preexisting pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or morbid obesity.
The suprascapular nerve block (SSB), applied at a more distal level of the brachial plexus, preserves the phrenic nerve and thus minimizes the respiratory side effects associated with ISB.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Target follow-up
- 3 Months
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Suprascapular block | – | Other: rescue analgesiaFor Group I, after the patients were positioned in the sitting posture, reference points were identified based on anatomical landmarks, including the scapular spine and the acromion. A linear ultrasound probe (13-6 MHz) was used to guide the procedure, targeting the suprascapular notch. Under sterile conditions, a 22-gauge × 100 mm needle (Braun® Stimuplex) was advanced, and following negative aspiration, 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine was injected. |
| Interscalene block | – | Other: rescue analgesiaFor Group II, patients were positioned in the supine or semi-sitting position with the head turned to the contralateral side to facilitate access to the lateral aspect of the neck. Following antiseptic skin preparation, a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe (6-13 MHz) was placed transversely on the lateral neck. The C5-C7 nerve roots were identified as hyperechoic structures located between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. Using an in-plane ultrasound-guided approach, a 22-gauge, 50-100 mm nerve block needle was advanced into the interscalene groove. After confirming negative aspiration, 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine was administered around the nerve roots. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Once suitability is confirmed, detailed information about the work programs is provided in glossary and written form. Random grouping (randomization) and work will be specifically approved after being informed before any process.
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients who have provided written informed consent
- Patients over 18 years of age scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy
- Patients classified as ASA I-II
- Patients undergoing general anesthesia
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients undergoing shoulder surgery other than arthroscopic procedures (e.g., revision or open surgery)
- Patients with pre-existing respiratory, cardiac, renal, neurological, or hepatic diseases
- Presence of neuropathy affecting the brachial plexus
- Contraindications to peripheral nerve block (e.g., coagulopathy)
- Known allergy to local anesthetics
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| rescue analgesiaIn the postoperative recovery room, patients with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 4 or higher received 100 mg of intravenous tramadol as rescue analgesia. In addition, both groups routinely received 1 g of intravenous paracetamol every 6 hours during their stay in the ward. During ward follow-up, if the NRS score was 4 or higher, 100 mg of intravenous tramadol was administered as needed. | Other | Interscalene block, Suprascapular block |
Primary outcome
The analgesic efficacy of interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.
Time frame: the first 48 hours postoperatively
It is a pain intensity assessment system based on the patient indicating a point between 0 (no pain) and 10 (unbearable pain) to describe their pain level.
1 secondary outcome
The development of chronic pain following interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.
Time frame: 3 months postoperatively
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Mar 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Durali BAYKA principal investigator
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Postoperative Acute Pain and Chronic Pain, run by Aydin Adnan Menderes University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The analgesic efficacy of interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular block (SSB) will be compared in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy. (time frame: the first 48 hours postoperatively). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Mar 2026.