Finding the smallest effective dose of local anesthetic for shoulder surgery

Minimum Effective Local Anesthetic Volume of 0.5% Levobupivacaine Required for Ultrasound Guided Superior Trunk Block for Shoulder Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT04941664

This study is testing the smallest amount of a local anesthetic to see if it can effectively reduce pain for people having shoulder surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shatin, New Territories)
Trial IDNCT04941664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the minimum effective dosage of levobupivacaine needed to achieve a successful ultrasound-guided superior trunk block in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery. By focusing on this specific nerve block, the research seeks to minimize postoperative pain while reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional anesthesia methods. The study will involve patients classified as ASA physical status I-III, ensuring a controlled and safe environment for the intervention. The ultimate goal is to establish a dosage that effectively blocks pain in at least 90% of participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for elective upper shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff repair who are classified as ASA physical status I-III.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those who are pregnant, have a skin infection at the block site, or have a history of allergy to local anesthetics.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and reduced complications for patients undergoing shoulder surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the optimal volume for superior trunk blocks, similar studies on regional anesthesia techniques have shown promising results in improving patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III scheduled to undergo elective upper shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* pregnancy
* skin infection at the site of block placement
* history of allergy to local anaesthetic drugs
* bleeding tendency or with evidence of coagulopathy
* pre-existing neurological deficit or neuromuscular disease.

Where this trial is running

Shatin, New Territories

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 Musculoskeletal Diseases or ConditionsSuperior Trunk nerve 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.