Rotator cuff surgery is mostly performed on an outpatient basis, and many patients still experience moderate to severe pain after surgery, despite the use of regional anesthesia and opioids. The specific aim is to determine whether a comprehensive pathway that includes a well-defined regional technique and multimodal analgesia will reduce the worst pain with movement 0-48 hours after block placement compared to the current standard practice. This is a 'before and after' study. We plan to have 70 patients studied prior to initiation of a pathway, and 70 patients studied after initiation of a pathway. Both groups will receive identical postoperative follow-up.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Ambulatory rotator cuff patients with participating surgeons.
Includes the following concomitant procedures:
* Arthroscopic SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) repair
* Arthroscopic Stabilization
* Arthroscopic AC (Acromioclavicular) resection
* Arthroscopic SAD (Sub-Acromial Decompression)
* Arthroscopic or mini open biceps tenodesis
* Age 18-80
Exclusion Criteria:
* chronic pain history (defined as use of opioids \> 3 months or current gabapentinoids for pain)
* open surgery (but sub pectoralis mini open biceps tenodesis is not excluded)
* revision surgery
* kidney disease (GFR \< 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for 3 months or more)
* liver disease (transaminitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, hypoalbuminemia, coagulopathy)
* planned avoidance of regional anesthesia
* any contraindication to or patient refusal of any component in the pathway
* Non-English speakers
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.