Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07429669

Comparative Analgesia and Respiratory Effects of Shoulder Blocks

Interscalene block is widely accepted as the gold-standard regional analgesic technique for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, because this block is performed at the level of the brachial plexus roots, it may be associated with adverse effects such as phrenic nerve blockade and subsequent diaphragmatic dysfunction. These limitations have prompted the search for alternative regional anesthesia techniques that can provide effective postoperative analgesia while preserving respiratory function.

The anterior suprascapular block, which covers a broad dermatomal distribution of the shoulder region, has been shown in some studies to provide sufficient analgesia as a standalone technique. In addition, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block of the shoulder-applied around the anterior capsule and performed at a distance from critical neurovascular structures that may lead to serious complications-may represent another potential analgesic option following arthroscopic shoulder procedures.

Therefore, this study aims to evaluate alternative regional block techniques in comparison with the interscalene block and to contribute to the identification of an optimal analgesic strategy after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Recruiting

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Key information

Conditions

Postoperative Pain Acute Pain Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with ASA scores I-II-III
  • Patients scheduled for elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery
  • Patients who have been informed about the study and have given written consent will be included.

Exclusion criteria

  • Those with a known allergy to local anesthetics
  • Those with an infection at the application site
  • Those with a severe coagulopathy disorder or anticoagulant use
  • Those with contralateral phrenic nerve palsy or a serious pulmonary diagnosis
  • Those with a history of chronic opioid use or neuropathic pain

Treatment and study plan

interscalene block

Procedure

Interscalene block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position.

Anterior suprascapular block

Procedure

Anterior suprascapular block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position.

pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block

Procedure

Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain scores

    Time frame: First hour after the surgery

    Pain will be assessed at rest and while coughing using the visual analog scale on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain) at the first postoperative hour.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain scores

    Time frame: First 24 hours after surgery

    Pain will be assessed at rest and while coughing using the visual analog scale on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain). Pain assessment will be done at the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours after surgery.

  2. Forced vital capacity (FVC) (volume)

    Time frame: Perioperative period

    Forced vital capacity (FVC) (volume) will be evaluated during the perioperative period. Measurements will be performed before block administration (baseline), at 30 minutes after the block, and at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 hours.

  3. Forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) (volume)

    Time frame: Perioperative period

    Forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) (volume) will be evaluated during the perioperative period. Measurements will be performed before block administration (baseline), at 30 minutes after the block, and at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 hours.

  4. FEV1/FVC

    Time frame: Perioperative period

    FEV1/FVC will be evaluated during the perioperative period. Measurements will be performed before block administration (baseline), at 30 minutes after the block, and at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 hours.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Analgesic Efficacy and Respiratory Effects of Interscalene, Anterior Suprascapular, and Pericapsular Nerve Group Blocks in Shoulder Arthroscopy

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 24, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.