Analgesic efficacy and technique of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve catheters after shoulder arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Conventional approaches to brachial plexus blocks may not cover the suprascapular nerve. Accordingly, after shoulder arthroscopy, sensation from the posterior part of the shoulder is commonly spared. Most previous research involving suprascapular nerve blocks described single-injection techniques. However, with the widespread availability and fairly reasonable cost of disposable infusion pumps, continuous catheter techniques provide a more appealing method of prolonging postoperative analgesia. CASE REPORT: We describe 2 patients who were successfully treated with ultrasound-guided continuous suprascapular nerve catheters. With the patient seated, a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe was used. Both patients experienced excellent pain relief without complications.
CONCLUSION: Continuous suprascapular catheter techniques provide good pain relief and improve postoperative analgesia after shoulder arthroscopy.