Anterior suprascapular nerve block vs interscalene block for shoulder surgery pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, single-blind, noninferiority study compares two regional anesthesia techniques for unilateral outpatient shoulder surgery performed under general anesthesia. Participants receive either an anterior suprascapular nerve block or an interscalene block, with ropivacaine as part of the protocol, to manage postoperative pain. The goal is to see if the SSNB-A can match the analgesia of ISB while potentially reducing block-related side effects that can complicate discharge and recovery. Outcomes focus on postoperative pain control, opioid use, recovery milestones, and safety in an outpatient setting. The study will enroll adults with ASA I–III undergoing specified shoulder procedures and excludes those with contraindications to regional anesthesia or certain comorbidities or allergies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years.
* ASA physical status I, II, or III.
* Scheduled for unilateral shoulder orthopedic surgery in the outpatient/day surgery setting under general anesthesia.
* Surgical procedures may include long head of biceps tenotomy, biceps anchor repair, Bankart procedure, rotator cuff repair with or without biological membrane augmentation, subacromial decompression, acromioplasty, or acromioclavicular stabilization.
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to regional anesthesia, including allergy to local anesthetics, infection at the injection site, bleeding diathesis, or other contraindications according to applicable clinical practice recommendations.
* Allergy to paracetamol or to any drug used in the multimodal rescue analgesic strategy.
* Known neuropathy or sensory/motor deficit in the surgical area or in the territory of innervation of the study blocks.
* History of psychiatric or behavioral disorders that may interfere with study participation or outcome assessment.
* Severe obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) \> 40 kg/m2.
* Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, GOLD stage III-IV.
* Pregnancy.
* Known phrenic nerve palsy associated with diaphragmatic paralysis.
* Chronic opioid use during the previous 3 months.
* Severe chronic pain during the previous 3 months, defined as NRS \> 4.
* Non-adherence to the postoperative analgesic protocol.

Where it's running

• University Hospital Varese ASST SetteLaghi
  Varese, Italy, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Giorgio Rossoni, MD
• Email: giorgio.rossoni@asst-settelaghi.it
• Phone: 0039 0332393447

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Postoperative Pain Control in Elderly Knee Replacement

  This study tests two pain-management methods after knee replacement in adults 60 and older to see which one reduces delirium and improves recovery.

  Recruiting Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · Ankara, Çankaya · NCT07849517

• Compare TAP block vs ESP block for pain after laparoscopic kidney surgery

  Adults undergoing laparoscopic renal surgery will try either a TAP block or an ESP block to see which one better controls pain after surgery.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Cairo · NCT07781930

• Comfort Tote to help recovery after scoliosis surgery in teens

  This study tests whether a therapeutic Comfort Tote can reduce pain and anxiety after surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

  Recruiting Columbia University · New York, New York · NCT07632833

• Ultrasound-guided SPS block versus surgeon intercostal block to prevent chronic pain after thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery

  This trial will test whether an ultrasound-guided Serratus Posterior Superior (SPS) block given before elective VATS reduces chronic post-thoracotomy pain compared with a surgeon-administered intercostal block.

  Recruiting Medipol University · Istanbul, Bagcilar · NCT07436806

• Ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane (SPSIP) block for shoulder arthroscopy pain

  This will test whether an ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane (SPSIP) block reduces pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

  Recruiting Bursa City Hospital · Bursa, Bursa · NCT07394673

• Timing nalbuphine for pain relief and blood pressure control during knee replacement in older adults

  We will test whether giving nalbuphine at different times during knee replacement helps control pain and stabilize blood pressure in people 65 and older.

  Recruiting Phase 4 Qianfoshan Hospital · Jinan, Shandong · NCT07271849

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.