Effectiveness of combined suprascapular nerve and costoclavicular brachial plexus block for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a prospective observational study

Background Although interscalene brachial plexus block provides effective anesthesia and analgesia for shoulder surgery, one major drawback of interscalene brachial plexus block is ipsilateral phrenic nerve palsy. Several diaphragm-sparing nerve blocks have been suggested. We prospectively evaluated the effectiveness of combined suprascapular nerve and costoclavicular brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia following arthroscopic shoulder surgery.Methods Nineteen patients scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery received combined ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve and costoclavicular brachial plexus block. Pain scores, use of supplemental analgesia, incidence of phrenic nerve palsy, block-related outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects were assessed.Results The block was successful in 17 patients (89.5%). Postoperative pain control was effective during the first 24 h after surgery. Phrenic nerve palsy did not occur (0%, 95% confidential interval 0 – 17%). There were no severe adverse events. Patients reported a high degree of satisfaction.Conclusion Combined suprascapular nerve and costoclavicular brachial plexus block provided effective postoperative analgesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery without causing phrenic nerve palsy.