Using a serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block to reduce pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Management in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University · NCT06866054

This trial will test whether an ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block can reduce postoperative pain and opioid use for adults having arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorKahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Istanbul, Bagcilar and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06866054 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study applies an ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB), injected at the level of the 2nd–3rd rib, to provide postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic shoulder procedures. Participants are adults with ASA physical status I–II scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia who will receive standard postoperative analgesia management alongside the intervention. Investigators will record postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and opioid-related side effects to compare analgesic efficacy. The block targets the serratus posterior superior muscle to anesthetize lower cervical and upper intercostal nerves using an interfascial injection technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults classified ASA I–II who are scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia and who consent to the block are eligible.

Not a fit: People on anticoagulant therapy, with bleeding diathesis, local anesthetic allergy, skin infection at the puncture site, or those who decline the procedure are unlikely to receive benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, the block could lower postoperative pain and opioid requirements and reduce opioid-related side effects, facilitating earlier rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: The SPSIPB is a novel block first described in 2023 with limited clinical data, though related interfascial chest-wall blocks have shown reductions in postoperative pain and opioid use in other settings.

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,
* patients who do not accept the procedure

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Bagcilar and 1 other locations

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 Shoulder PainShoulder InjuriesArthroscopic Shoulder SurgeryPostoperative analgesia managementserratus posterior superior intercostal plane 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.