Pain Management After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Plain-language summary

The purpose of the study is to determine if pain management after total shoulder arthroplasty is more efficacious with ultrasound guided, continuous Interscalene block or with local tissue infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine. Traditionally, general anesthesia followed by narcotics has been the primary management of pain control. However, regional anesthesia in the form of an interscalene block (ISB), a perineural local anesthetic infusion, is commonly used and may more effectively control pain during and after shoulder arthroplasty, with fewer side effects than narcotics. Intraoperative benefits include better control of blood pressure and reduced need for general anesthesia and narcotics. Depending on the type of block (single shot vs. continuous) and the type of local anesthetic administered, pain relief may persist for 12-96 hours postoperatively. However, not all patients are candidates for peripheral nerve blocks. Pre-existing pulmonary disease, previous neck surgery, cervical arthritis, neurologic disorders and obesity may preclude ISB placement. As well, interscalene blocks are not completely benign procedures. Systemic complications include clinically significant intraoperative hypotension, pneumothorax, vascular injury, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, seizure and death. Phrenic nerve paralysis is common, although transient. Peripheral nerve injuries related to mechanical injury, medication neurotoxicity, compression or ischemia are infrequent but may be devastating. The experience and number of blocks performed by the anesthesiologist in addition to adjunctive tools, such as ultrasound and/or nerve stimulators, impacts the success of the procedure. Continuous indwelling interscalene blocks (CISB) may provide substantial and longer pain relief, precluding the need for perioperative narcotics. Earlier discharge post procedure and better early range of motion are other purported benefits. However, premature catheter failure, catheter breakage, infection, over administration of medication and extended diaphragmatic paresis are concerns. In addition, there is a cost associated with these procedures. The anesthesiologist fee, catheter with or without elastomeric pump, local anesthetic, perioperative patient evaluation and treatment of any associated complications all must be considered. . The development of new, long acting local anesthetics, such as liposomal bupivacaine, is potentially important in the management of perioperative pain. Liposomal bupivacaine has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for local infiltration for pain relief after bunionectomy and hemorrhoidectomy. This preparation increases the duration of local anesthetic action by slow release from the liposome and delays the peak plasma concentration when compared to plain bupivacaine administration. Studies have shown it to be an effective tool for postoperative pain relief with opioid sparing effects and it has also been found to have an acceptable adverse effect profile.

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