Interscalene block versus serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block for pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery
Interscalene Block vs Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia Management After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Randomized Prospective Study
This will test whether a newer serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block works as well as the standard interscalene block for people having arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medipol University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Bagcilar) |
| Trial ID | NCT07278050 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional comparison examines two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques — the commonly used interscalene brachial plexus block (ISCB) and the newer serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSPB) — for managing postoperative pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Adults with ASA I–II scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder procedures under general anesthesia will receive one of the blocks perioperatively, with postoperative analgesia management and monitoring. The SPSPB involves injection at the serratus posterior superior muscle around the 2nd–3rd ribs to block lower cervical and upper intercostal nerves, while ISCB targets the brachial plexus at the interscalene level; both are performed under ultrasound guidance. Outcomes include postoperative pain, opioid consumption, time to mobilization, adverse events, and length of hospital stay.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients with ASA physical status I–II who are scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia and who agree to receive a peripheral nerve block.
Not a fit: Patients with bleeding disorders, on anticoagulant therapy, allergic to local anesthetics or opioids, with skin infection at the injection site, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who decline the procedure are not likely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the SPSPB could provide effective postoperative shoulder pain relief with reduced opioid use and potentially fewer block-related complications.
How similar studies have performed: The interscalene block is well established and effective for shoulder analgesia, while the SPSPB is a novel block first described in 2023 and has limited published outcome data so far.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I-II * Scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia Exclusion Criteria: * history of bleeding diathesis, * receiving anticoagulant treatment, * known local anesthetics and opioid allergy, * infection of the skin at the site of the needle puncture, * pregnancy or lactation, * patients who do not accept the procedure
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Bagcilar
- Istanbul Medipol University Hospital — Istanbul, Bagcilar, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bahadir Ciftci, Assoc Prof, MD
- Email: bciftci@medipol.edu.tr
- Phone: +905343736865
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.