Anaesthesia for shoulder surgery

This article discusses the pertinent issues related to anaesthetic management of patients undergoing surgical procedures on the shoulder. The interscalene brachial plexus block remains the regional anaesthetic technique of choice but has a high incidence of ipsilateral phrenic nerve palsy. Alternative diaphragm-sparing approaches (e.g. superior trunk block, suprascapular nerve block) have been described. Other specific intraoperative issues include airway considerations and concerns related to patient positioning.