Comparison between supra-scapular nerve block combined with axillary nerve block and interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia following shoulder arthroscopy

Background & objective: Inter‐scalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is the gold standard for postoperative pain management in shoulder surgery. Although, this method has its side‐effects and possibly complications. Suprascapular nerve block and axillary nerve block have also been used in upper limb procedures. We compared ISB with the blockade of supra‐scapular and axillary nerves (called shoulder block) for postoperative analgesia after shoulder arthroscopic surgical operation under ultrasound guidance (USG) and nerve stimulators. Methodology: It was a prospective, randomized, comparative study. Results: The VAS pain scores at different times postoperatively were not significantly different between the ISB and ShB groups (P = t 0.071, 0.28, 0.378, 0.358, 0.451 at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h respectively. VAS 0 was significantly difference (P = 0.029) but still the VAS score was less than 3, so no pain killers were given. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided supra‐scapular and axillary nerve blocks ae equally effective as inter‐scalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia in shoulder arthroscopic surgery with less side‐effects.