Hemidiaphragmatic ParalysisPhase 4NCT07671352
Comparative Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Function Following Interscalene, Anterior Suprascapular, and Costoclavicular Nerve Blocks in Shoulder Surgery
A Phase 4 study testing Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block, Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block and Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block in people with Hemidiaphragmatic Paralysis and Postoperative Pain, run by Menoufia University.
Trial summary
Shoulder surgery causes significant postoperative pain, and ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is central to its management. The interscalene block (ISB) is the gold standard but frequently causes phrenic nerve paralysis and hemi-diaphragmatic paresis, limiting its use in patients with reduced pulmonary reserve. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Hemidiaphragmatic Paralysis, Postoperative Pain, Shoulder Surgery
- What is being tested?
- Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block, Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block and Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 75 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 25 Jun 2026to 1 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Phase 4
- 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 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults of both sexes, aged 18 to 70 years American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II Scheduled for elective shoulder surgery
Who cannot join
- Pulmonary disease or baseline diaphragmatic dysfunction Refusal to provide informed consent Pre-existing neuropathy in the operated limb Allergy to local anesthetics Infection at the injection site Coagulopathy Pregnancy
About this study
Shoulder surgery causes significant postoperative pain, and ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is central to its management. The interscalene block (ISB) is the gold standard but frequently causes phrenic nerve paralysis and hemi-diaphragmatic paresis, limiting its use in patients with reduced pulmonary reserve. The suprascapular (SSNB) and costoclavicular (CCB) blocks are proposed diaphragm-sparing alternatives, but data directly comparing all three are limited.
This randomised, double-blinded trial will compare the incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis among ultrasound-guided ISB, SSNB, and CCB in elective shoulder surgery. Seventy-five ASA I-II patients aged 18-70 will be allocated 1:1:1 to one block. The primary outcome is the incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis, measured by ultrasound diaphragmatic excursion before induction and after recovery in the PACU. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and patient satisfaction. The investigators hypothesise that SSNB and CCB will cause less hemidiaphragmatic paresis than ISB while providing comparable analgesia.
Read the detailed description
This randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group trial compares the effect of three ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques on diaphragmatic function in elective shoulder surgery. The interscalene block (ISB), the gold standard, frequently causes phrenic nerve paralysis and hemi-diaphragmatic paresis. The suprascapular (SSNB) and costoclavicular (CCB) blocks preserve analgesia while sparing the phrenic nerve, but direct comparative data among all three are limited.
Seventy-five ASA I-II patients aged 18-70 scheduled for elective shoulder surgery will be randomized 1:1:1 (25 per group) using computer-generated allocation with sealed opaque envelopes. ISB: 10 mL 0.25% bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg; SSNB: 10 mL of the same mixture; CCB: 20 mL of the same mixture. All blocks are ultrasound-guided and performed before a standardised general anaesthetic.
Diaphragmatic excursion is measured by M-mode ultrasound of both hemidiaphragms at baseline (pre-induction), 30 minutes after the block, and in the PACU at a train-of-four ratio ≥0.9. Hemi-diaphragmatic paresis is graded as Complete (>75% reduction or paradoxical movement), Partial (25-75%), or Normal (0-25%). The primary outcome is its incidence. Secondary outcomes include VAS pain at rest and movement (1, 3, 6, 12, 24 h), analgesic consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, block performance time, complications, and patient satisfaction.
- Being tested
- Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block, Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block
- Keywords
- Interscalene block, Suprascapular nerve block, Costoclavicular block, Diaphragmatic excursion, Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, Phrenic nerve palsy
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus blockProcedure or surgery
Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block performed ~1 hour before surgery. With the patient supine and head rotated contralaterally, a high-frequency linear transducer identifies the C5-C6 roots between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. Using an in-plane technique, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg is injected with frequent aspiration.
Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve blockProcedure or surgery
Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block performed ~1 hour before surgery. A linear high-frequency probe in the supraclavicular region identifies the suprascapular nerve. A 22-gauge echogenic needle is advanced in-plane to the nerve proximal to the transverse scapular ligament, and 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg is injected under real-time ultrasound, confirming circumferential spread.
Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus blockProcedure or surgery
Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block performed ~1 hour before surgery. With the operative arm abducted ~60°, a linear probe inferior to the mid-clavicle visualizes the three brachial plexus cords lateral to the axillary artery. An echogenic needle is advanced in-plane into the interfascial plane, and 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg is injected with aspiration and ultrasound confirmation of homogeneous spread.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Interscalene Block (ISB) | Active comparator | Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block targeting the C5-C6 roots, performed approximately 1 hour before surgery. Injectate: 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg. Receives: Procedure: Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block |
| Suprascapular Nerve Block (SSNB) | Experimental | Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block was performed proximal to the transverse scapular ligament, approximately 1 hour before surgery. Injectate: 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg. Receives: Procedure: Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block |
| Costoclavicular Block (CCB) | Experimental | Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block targeting the brachial plexus cords in the costoclavicular space, approximately 1 hour before surgery. Injectate: 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg. Receives: Procedure: Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis
Incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis assessed by M-mode ultrasound measurement of diaphragmatic excursion, comparing post-block values to the pre-induction baseline. Hemi-diaphragmatic paresis is defined as a >75% reduction in diaphragmatic excursion from baseline or paradoxical diaphragmatic movement (complete paresis); a 25-75% reduction is classified as partial paresis. Measured in the PACU after recovery of muscle power (train-of-four ratio ≥0.9). Reported as the number/percentage of participants with hemi-diaphragmatic paresis in each group.
Measured: From pre-induction baseline to PACU assessment at train-of-four ratio ≥0.9 (up to approximately 24 hours after the block
Secondary outcomes (2)
Postoperative pain score at rest (static VAS)
Pain intensity at rest was measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain.
Measured: At 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively
Patient satisfaction
Overall satisfaction with the procedure and postoperative analgesia, assessed on a 5-point scale (very satisfied, satisfied, neutral, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied).
Measured: 24 hours postoperatively
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Jun 2026
- Study start25 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Hemidiaphragmatic ParalysisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Menoufia 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Menoufia University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mahdy Mohamed Elghanam, Menoufia University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07671352
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ANESTH50
- Other IDs
- ANESTH50
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Renard Y, Grape S, Gonvers E, Rossel JB, Goetti P, Albrecht E. Respiratory impact of local anaesthetic volume after interscalene brachial plexus block with extrafascial injection: a randomised controlled double-blinded trial. Br J Anaesth. 2025 Apr;134(4):1153-1160. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.12.010. Epub 2025 Jan 23.
PubMed 39855930Lee Y, Bang S, Chung J, Chae MS, Shin J. Costoclavicular block as a diaphragm-sparing nerve block for shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2025 Feb;78(1):30-38. doi: 10.4097/kja.24595. Epub 2024 Dec 10.
PubMed 39654085
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Function Following Interscalene, Anterior Suprascapular, and Costoclavicular Nerve Blocks in Shoulder Surgery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07671352
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ANESTH50
- Keywords
- Interscalene block, Suprascapular nerve block, Costoclavicular block, Diaphragmatic excursion, Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, Phrenic nerve palsy
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Menoufia UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Jun 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.
Shoulder surgery causes significant postoperative pain, and ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is central to its management. The interscalene block (ISB) is the gold standard but frequently causes phrenic nerve paralysis and hemi-diaphragmatic paresis, limiting its use in patients with reduced pulmonary reserve. The suprascapular (SSNB) and costoclavicular (CCB) blocks are proposed diaphragm-sparing alternatives, but data directly comparing all three are limited.
This randomised, double-blinded trial will compare the incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis among ultrasound-guided ISB, SSNB, and CCB in elective shoulder surgery. Seventy-five ASA I-II patients aged 18-70 will be allocated 1:1:1 to one block. The primary outcome is the incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis, measured by ultrasound diaphragmatic excursion before induction and after recovery in the PACU. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and patient satisfaction. The investigators hypothesise that SSNB and CCB will cause less hemidiaphragmatic paresis than ISB while providing comparable analgesia.
Detailed description
This randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group trial compares the effect of three ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques on diaphragmatic function in elective shoulder surgery. The interscalene block (ISB), the gold standard, frequently causes phrenic nerve paralysis and hemi-diaphragmatic paresis. The suprascapular (SSNB) and costoclavicular (CCB) blocks preserve analgesia while sparing the phrenic nerve, but direct comparative data among all three are limited.
Seventy-five ASA I-II patients aged 18-70 scheduled for elective shoulder surgery will be randomized 1:1:1 (25 per group) using computer-generated allocation with sealed opaque envelopes. ISB: 10 mL 0.25% bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg; SSNB: 10 mL of the same mixture; CCB: 20 mL of the same mixture. All blocks are ultrasound-guided and performed before a standardised general anaesthetic.
Diaphragmatic excursion is measured by M-mode ultrasound of both hemidiaphragms at baseline (pre-induction), 30 minutes after the block, and in the PACU at a train-of-four ratio ≥0.9. Hemi-diaphragmatic paresis is graded as Complete (>75% reduction or paradoxical movement), Partial (25-75%), or Normal (0-25%). The primary outcome is its incidence. Secondary outcomes include VAS pain at rest and movement (1, 3, 6, 12, 24 h), analgesic consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, block performance time, complications, and patient satisfaction.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Interscalene Block (ISB) | Active comparator | Procedure: Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus blockUltrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block targeting the C5-C6 roots, performed approximately 1 hour before surgery. Injectate: 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg. |
| Suprascapular Nerve Block (SSNB) | Experimental | Procedure: Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve blockUltrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block was performed proximal to the transverse scapular ligament, approximately 1 hour before surgery. Injectate: 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg. |
| Costoclavicular Block (CCB) | Experimental | Procedure: Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus blockUltrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block targeting the brachial plexus cords in the costoclavicular space, approximately 1 hour before surgery. Injectate: 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Adults of both sexes, aged 18 to 70 years American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II Scheduled for elective shoulder surgery
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Pulmonary disease or baseline diaphragmatic dysfunction Refusal to provide informed consent Pre-existing neuropathy in the operated limb Allergy to local anesthetics Infection at the injection site Coagulopathy Pregnancy
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus blockUltrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block performed ~1 hour before surgery. With the patient supine and head rotated contralaterally, a high-frequency linear transducer identifies the C5-C6 roots between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. Using an in-plane technique, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg is injected with frequent aspiration. | Procedure or surgery | Interscalene Block (ISB) |
| Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve blockUltrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block performed ~1 hour before surgery. A linear high-frequency probe in the supraclavicular region identifies the suprascapular nerve. A 22-gauge echogenic needle is advanced in-plane to the nerve proximal to the transverse scapular ligament, and 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg is injected under real-time ultrasound, confirming circumferential spread. | Procedure or surgery | Suprascapular Nerve Block (SSNB) |
| Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus blockUltrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block performed ~1 hour before surgery. With the operative arm abducted ~60°, a linear probe inferior to the mid-clavicle visualizes the three brachial plexus cords lateral to the axillary artery. An echogenic needle is advanced in-plane into the interfascial plane, and 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg is injected with aspiration and ultrasound confirmation of homogeneous spread. | Procedure or surgery | Costoclavicular Block (CCB) |
Primary outcome
Incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis
Time frame: From pre-induction baseline to PACU assessment at train-of-four ratio ≥0.9 (up to approximately 24 hours after the block
Incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis assessed by M-mode ultrasound measurement of diaphragmatic excursion, comparing post-block values to the pre-induction baseline. Hemi-diaphragmatic paresis is defined as a >75% reduction in diaphragmatic excursion from baseline or paradoxical diaphragmatic movement (complete paresis); a 25-75% reduction is classified as partial paresis. Measured in the PACU after recovery of muscle power (train-of-four ratio ≥0.9). Reported as the number/percentage of participants with hemi-diaphragmatic paresis in each group.
2 secondary outcomes
Postoperative pain score at rest (static VAS)
Time frame: At 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively
Patient satisfaction
Time frame: 24 hours 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 26 Jun 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 39855930Renard Y, Grape S, Gonvers E, Rossel JB, Goetti P, Albrecht E. Respiratory impact of local anaesthetic volume after interscalene brachial plexus block with extrafascial injection: a randomised controlled double-blinded trial. Br J Anaesth. 2025 Apr;134(4):1153-1160. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.12.010. Epub 2025 Jan 23.
- Results publication: PubMed 39654085Lee Y, Bang S, Chung J, Chae MS, Shin J. Costoclavicular block as a diaphragm-sparing nerve block for shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2025 Feb;78(1):30-38. doi: 10.4097/kja.24595. Epub 2024 Dec 10.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 4 study testing Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block, Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block and Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block in people with Hemidiaphragmatic Paralysis and Postoperative Pain, run by Menoufia University.
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
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?
Incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis (time frame: From pre-induction baseline to PACU assessment at train-of-four ratio ≥0.9 (up to approximately 24 hours after the block). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07671352, which also lists 2 linked publications.
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 26 Jun 2026.