Finding the best local anesthetic volume for pain relief after shoulder surgery

Optimal Effective Local Anesthetic Volume for Pain Relief Using Brachial Plexus Block Utilizing Continuous Reassessment Method for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Shoulder Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional Benaroya Research Institute · NCT05868993

This study is testing how much local anesthetic is best for reducing pain after shoulder surgery to see if it helps patients feel better with fewer side effects.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBenaroya Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT05868993 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the optimal volume of local anesthetic used in brachial plexus blocks to manage post-operative pain in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. It employs a novel Continuous Reassessment Method to evaluate both the effectiveness of the block and any potential side effects, such as lung dysfunction. Patients will be assessed for pain relief using a verbal analogue scale 60 minutes after surgery, allowing for precise adjustments in anesthetic volume based on real-time feedback.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who are surgical candidates for arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery and have an ASA classification of I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to ropivacaine, chronic opioid use, or significant lung disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar approaches to pain management with nerve blocks, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Surgical candidate for Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery
* ASA I-III
* BMI\<40
* Age \>18

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to give informed consent
* Inability to complete consent process in English
* allergy to ropivacaine
* neuropathy
* contraindications to peripheral nerve block per ASRA guidelines
* chronic opioid use
* infection at the injection/catheter site
* limb restriction due to medical history
* history of moderate - severe lung disease.

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Post Operative Painbrachial plexus block
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.