RecruitingNot Applicable

Diaphragm-Sparing Regional Anesthesia Techniques for Shoulder Surgery

Poland70 participantsStarted 2025-12-10

Plain-language summary

This study will compare two regional anesthesia techniques for shoulder surgery and evaluate their effects on diaphragmatic function. The standard regional anesthesia technique for shoulder surgery is the interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB), which provides effective analgesia but is frequently associated with ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis due to phrenic nerve involvement. An alternative diaphragm-sparing strategy is the combination of a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) and an infraclavicular brachial plexus block (ICB), which may reduce the risk of diaphragmatic dysfunction while maintaining effective analgesia for shoulder surgery. All participants will receive ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia prior to surgery and will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group 1: Interscalene brachial plexus block Group 2: Suprascapular nerve block combined with infraclavicular brachial plexus block The primary aim of this study is to determine whether the diaphragm-sparing technique reduces the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis while providing analgesia comparable to the standard interscalene block. Diaphragmatic movement will be assessed using ultrasound before and after block placement. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, pulmonary function parameters, and block-related complications.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years – 100 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: * Age ≥ 65 years * Elective shoulder surgery * ASA I-III * Planned use of regional anesthesia * Signed written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to local anesthetics * Planned continuous catheter technique * BMI \>40 kg/m² * Coagulopathy or anticoagulation * Pre-existing phrenic nerve palsy * Neurological disorder of the operative limb * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Participation in another clinical trial within 30 days

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.

What they're measuring

Incidence of Hemidiaphragmatic Paresis

Timeframe: before block and 30-60 minutes after block.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07474896

SponsorPoznan University of Medical Sciences

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-01-01

Contact for this trial

Malgorzata Reysner, MD PhD

+48618738313 mreysner@ump.edu.pl

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Osteoarthritis Shoulder trials