Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND: Severe postoperative pain is a well-known problem following shoulder surgery. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of continuous interscalene brachial plexus block, patient-controlled analgesia, and morphine (i.v. and i.m.) for postoperative analgesia in this setting. METHODS: Thirty patients, scheduled for acromioplasty during general anesthesia, were randomly allocated to one of three different postoperative pain management groups. Group MO received morphine (5 mg i.m. and 2 mg i.v.) when visual analogue pain score (VAS) > 3, group PL received a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block with bupivacaine (1.25 mg kg-1 + 0.25 mg kg-1 h-1) and group PCA received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine (bolus 1 mg). Postoperative pain relief was assessed (24 h) by VAS, circulatory and respiratory stress parameters (heart rate, systemic arterial pressure and respiratory rate) and stress metabolites (glucose, lactate, glycerol by abdominal subcutaneous microdialysis). RESULTS: Pain relief in the PL group was effective (VAS < 3) and significantly more potent than in groups MO and PCA, except at 16 and 20 h. Lactate was significantly increased in the PL group, glucose was significantly increased in all groups, while glycerol showed a variable pattern. There were no significant stress metabolite differences among groups. VAS showed no statistical correlation with microdialysate, respiratory or circulatory data. CONCLUSION: Successful continuous interscalene brachial plexus block provides very good pain relief following shoulder surgery and is superior to the other methods studied. However, we were unable to demonstrate a correlation between VAS pain scores and stress indicators in metabolic, circulatory and respiratory parameters.     

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block during and after shoulder surgery

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block with a single dose of 0.75% bupivacaine (150-210 mg) with adrenaline, continued with an infusion of plain 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg/h, was performed on 20 patients to provide analgesia during shoulder surgery and in the postoperative period. The control group included 20 patients who were given general anaesthesia for surgery after starting a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block; test dose of 0.75% bupivacaine (22.5 mg) with adrenaline, continued with an infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg/h. Surgery was performed successfully under regional anaesthesia in 16/20 patients; 4/16 were given one dose of fentanyl during the surgery, and diazepam or midazolam as supplementary sedation were given in 13/16 cases. For postoperative analgesia 35/40 patients had a fully functioning catheter for 20-26 hours and the need for oxycodone i.m. during that time was 1.5 +/- 0.4 doses after regional anaesthesia (n = 14) and 1.8 +/- 0.4 doses after general anaesthesia (n = 18). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean plasma bupivacaine concentrations between the groups, concentrations in the regional anaesthesia group being higher at 5, 30, 60 min and 3 h (maximum 2.3 micrograms/ml at 60 min), but there was no difference between the values at 24 h. One infusion of local anaesthetic was discontinued because of probable treatment-related side-effects (breathing difficulties, nausea). Mild local anaesthetic toxicity (dizziness, tinnitus) was noticed in four patients.     

Skin temperature after interscalene brachial plexus blockade

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In neuraxial anesthesia, increase of skin temperature is an early sign of successful block. Yet, during peripheral nerve block of the lower extremity, increase in skin temperature is a highly sensitive, but late sign of a successful block. We hypothesized that after interscalene brachial plexus block, a rise in skin temperature follows impairment of sensation during successful nerve block and occurs only distally, as observed in the lower extremity. METHODS: In the present study, we prospectively evaluated the changes in skin temperature after interscalene brachial plexus blockade in 45 patients scheduled for elective shoulder surgery. We assessed pinprick and cold sensation as well as skin temperature at sites of the skin innervated by the median, ulnar, radial, axillary and musculocutaneous nerve. RESULTS: At the skin areas innervated by the axillary and musculocutaneous nerve, skin temperature did not increase after successful block. At the distal sites, innervated by the median, ulnar, and radial nerve, skin temperature increased significantly (1.9-2.1 degrees C within 30 min) after successful block while it did not after failed nerve block or on the contralateral side. In these areas attenuation of skin sensation preceded a measurable rise in skin temperature (> or =1 degrees C) in 56.3% of nerve blocks, occurred at the same time in 35.2%, and in 8.5% the temperature rise occurred first. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of skin temperature cannot predict the success of an interscalene brachial plexus block of the axillary and musculocutaneous nerve. Distally, the increase of skin temperature has a high sensitivity and specificity but occurs later than the loss of sensory and motor functions. Therefore, the measurement of skin temperature during interscalene blockade is of limited clinical value.     

Continuous interscalene analgesia with ropivacaine 2 mg/ml after major shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND: In this open, randomized study, the pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of a 48-h continuous interscalene infusion of 2 mg/ml ropivacaine for postoperative pain relief were investigated in patients undergoing open major shoulder surgery. METHODS: An initial interscalene block with 30 ml ropivacaine, 7.5 mg/ml (225 mg), was performed. After completion of interscalene block, all patients (n = 24) received general anesthesia, and 6 h after interscalene block, a 48-h continuous interscalene infusion of 12 or 18 mg/h using 2 mg/ml ropivacaine was started. Total and unbound plasma concentrations of ropivacaine and 2.6-pipecoloxylidide (PPX; a major active metabolite) were determined during and up to 6 h after the interscalene infusion. Postoperative pain at rest was assessed by a visual analog scale. Supplementary analgesics and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of total and unbound ropivacaine were proportional to the total dose. At the end of the interscalene infusion of 9 ml/h, the mean +/- SD plasma concentrations of total and unbound ropivacaine were 1.40 +/- 0.54 and 0.03 +/- 0.01 mg/l, respectively, and of total and unbound PPX were 0.70 +/- 0.38 and 0.30 +/- 0.20 mg/l, respectively. Plasma concentrations of unbound ropivacaine and unbound PPX, added together, remained well below threshold levels for systemic central nervous system toxicity. There were no significant differences between the groups for postoperative pain (median maximum of about 20 mm on the visual analog scale in both groups), analgesic consumption, or quality of pain relief assessed by the patient. No signs or symptoms of systemic local anesthetic toxicity were observed. CONCLUSION: A 48-h continuous interscalene infusion of 6 or 9 ml/h ropivacaine, 2 mg/ml, started 6 h after an initial interscalene block of 30 ml ropivacaine, 7.5 mg/ml, provided satisfactory postoperative pain relief after major shoulder surgery and was well tolerated. Unbound plasma concentrations of ropivacaine and PPX remained well below threshold levels for systemic central nervous toxicity.     

Continuous shoulder analgesia via an indwelling axillary brachial plexus catheter

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus blockade can provide anesthesia and analgesia in the shoulder region. Difficulty accessing the interscalene space and premature displacement of interscalene catheters may preclude their use in certain situations. We present two case reports in which a catheter was advanced from the axilla along the brachial plexus sheath to the interscalene space to provide continuous cervicobrachial plexus analgesia. In the first case report, previous neck surgery made the anatomic landmarks for performing an interscalene block very difficult. An epidural catheter was advanced from the axillary brachial plexus sheath to the interscalene space under fluoroscopic guidance. This technique provided both intraoperative analgesia for shoulder surgery as well as 24-hour postoperative analgesia by an infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine. In the second case report, a catheter was inserted in a similar fashion from the axillary to the interscalene space to provide 14 days of continuous analgesia in the management of complex regional pain syndrome. We have found that this technique allows us to secure the catheter more easily than with the traditional interscalene approach and thus prevents premature dislodgment. This approach may be a suitable alternative when either an interscalene or an infraclavicular catheter may not be inserted.     

Reduction of shoulder dislocations under interscalene brachial blockade

Even under short sedation, reduction of shoulder dislocations is often difficult, because of the reflectory contraction of the muscles around the humeroglenoidal joint in response to pain. Administration of interscalene brachial blockade produces analgesia and complete relaxation of the muscles of the shoulder joint. We report on ten consecutive shoulder dislocations which were reduced while the patients were under interscalene brachial blockade. In all cases, reduction was easy and free from complications.     

Reduction of shoulder dislocations under interscalene brachial blockade

Summary Even under short sedation, reduction of shoulder dislocations is often difficult, because of the reflectory contraction of the muscles around the humeroglenoidal joint in response to pain. Administration of interscalene brachial blockade produces analgesia and complete relaxation of the muscles of the shoulder joint. We report on ten consecutive shoulder dislocations which were reduced while the patients were under interscalene brachial blockade. In all cases, reduction was easy and free from complications.     

Comparison between continuous posterior and lateral interscalene brachial plexus blockades for major shoulder surgery

Background

Postoperative pain relief after major shoulder surgery is extremely challenging. Continuous interscalene blockade is considered a well suited pain management technique for this type of surgery, but with technical difficulties. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of continuous posterior and conventional lateral interscalene brachial plexus blockades.

Methods

This prospective randomized study included 40 patients who were radomally allocated into two equal groups (n = 20 patients), in the first group, continuous lateral interscalene blockade was done (Lateral Group), while continuous posterior interscalene was performed in the second group (Posterior Group). The measurement data were patient characteristics and surgical data, easiness of catheter insertion, onset of blockade, catheter insertion and total blockade times. Side effects encountered during blockade and postoperative efficacy of analgesia as well as patients satisfaction were also measured.

Results

There was no significant difference as regards the onset of anesthesia in both groups. Block procedure time and catheter placement times were faster in the posterior group (6.6 ± 0.64 vs 9.6 ± 1.1 min; P < .05 and 1.6 ± 0.7 vs 4.3 ± 0.7 min; P < 0.05 respectively). Successful catheter insertion was higher in the posterior group (19 patients vs 15 patients in the lateral group). Easy catheter insertion were significantly higher in the posterior group (16 patients vs eight patients In the lateral group; P < 0.05).Technical adverse effects related to catheter insertion were significantly higher in the lateral group (nine patients vs only one patient in the posterior group; P < 0.05). Complications were comparable in both groups. Postoperative efficacy of analgesia and Patient’s satisfaction about catheter placement was higher in the posterior group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we demonstrated a high success rate, low systemic and technical adverse effects, and better catheter compliance with continuous posterior interscalene blockade.     

Lower lobe collapse during continuous interscalene brachial plexus local anesthesia at home

OBJECTIVES: We report a case of pulmonary left lower lobe collapse following an interscalene local anesthetic infusion administered at home. This case highlights the need for patient education and postoperative communication. CASE REPORT: report A 52-year-old male patient presented for a rotator cuff repair. He was a chronic tobacco abuser with a history of occasional chest pain of unexplained cause. An interscalene catheter was placed preoperatively and surgery was performed under a combination of an interscalene block and a general anesthetic. An infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was started via the interscalene catheter postoperatively and continued at home following his discharge from the hospital on the third postoperative day. Within 24 hours of discharge, he was readmitted to the hospital after complaining of chest pain and dyspnea. The patient was seen in the emergency department by nonanesthesiologists who were not familiar with the potential for interscalene blocks to cause diaphragmatic paresis. CONCLUSIONS: Good communication must be maintained with the patient at all times. Doctors from other specialties may be unaware of the potential complications of an interscalene block.     

A randomised controlled trial of intravenous dexamethasone combined with interscalene brachial plexus blockade for shoulder surgery

We recruited patients scheduled for shoulder rotator cuff repair or subacromial decompression under general anaesthesia and interscalene brachial plexus blockade (30 ml ropivacaine 0.5%). We allocated 240 participants into four groups of 60 that were given pre‐operative saline 0.9% or dexamethasone 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg or 10 mg, intravenously. We recorded outcomes for 48 h. The median (IQR [range]) time to first postoperative analgesic request after saline was 12.2 (11.0–14.1 [1.8–48]) h, which was extended by intravenous dexamethasone 2.5 mg and 10 mg to 17.4 (14.9–21.5 [7.2–48]) h, p < 0.0001, and 20.1 (17.2–24.3 [1.3–48]) h, p < 0.0001, respectively, but not by dexamethasone 1.25 mg, 14.0 (12.1–17.7 [2.1–48]) h, p = 0.05. Postoperative analgesia was given sooner after rotator cuff repair than subacromial decompression, hazard ratio (95% CI) 2.2 (1.6–3.0), p < 0.0001, but later in older participants, hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.98 (0.97–0.99) per year, p < 0.0001.     

Lidocaine versus ropivacaine for continuous interscalene brachial plexus block after open shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND: This study compared the postoperative infusion of 1% lidocaine and 0.2% ropivacaine for continuous interscalene analgesia in patients undergoing open shoulder surgery. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing open shoulder surgery received an interscalene brachial plexus block with 30 ml of either 1.5% lidocaine (n = 20) or 0.5% ropivacaine (n = 20), followed by a continuous patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with 1% lidocaine or 0.2% ropivacaine, respectively. A blinded observer recorded the quality of analgesia and recovery of motor function during the first 24 h of infusion. RESULTS: Onset of the block occurred after 7.5 (5-40) min with lidocaine and 30 (10-60) min with ropivacaine (P = 0.0005). Postoperative pain intensity was higher with lidocaine than ropivacaine for the first 8 h of infusion. The ratio between boluses given and demanded from the pump was 0.5 (0.13-0.7) with lidocaine and 0.7 (0.4-1.0) with ropivacaine (P = 0.005). Rescue IV tramadol was required during the first 24 h of infusion by 16 patients of the lidocaine group (84%) and eight patients of the ropivacaine group (46%) (P = 0.05). At the 16 h and 24 h observation times a larger proportion of patients receiving ropivacaine had complete regression of motor block (70% and 95%) than patients receiving lidocaine (50% and 55%) (P = 0.05 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although 1% lidocaine can be effectively used for postoperative patient-controlled interscalene analgesia, 0.2% ropivacaine provides better pain relief and motor function.     

Complete brachial plexus palsy after total shoulder arthroplasty done with interscalene block anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This report illustrates that brachial plexus palsy can result from either interscalene block or total shoulder arthroplasty. It is often impossible to determine which procedure caused the deficit; therefore, we believe the focus should be placed on treatment of the neurologic deficit. This report provides a suggested algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of postprocedure brachial plexus palsy. METHODS: Interscalene block was used as the operative anesthetic for our patient's total shoulder arthroplasty. Complete brachial plexus palsy was diagnosed postoperatively. RESULTS: The patient's postoperative treatment and recovery are described. CONCLUSIONS: Proper diagnosis and treatment of postprocedure brachial plexus palsy may improve recovery of function. Several precautions may reduce the likelihood of brachial plexus palsy following interscalene block for total shoulder arthroplasty.