Suprascapular nerve block or interscalene brachial plexus block for pain relief after arthroscopic acromioplasty

Background: Comparisons between the interscalenic plexus block (ISB) and the su-prascapular nerve block (SSB) have indicated a modestly better effect of ISB for postop-erative pain relief following arthroscopic acromioplasty. The discomfort related to the two blocks has not been evaluated. We conducted a repeated study, considering both the pain relieving effect and the discomfort related to the two blocks. Methods: The two different interventions were compared in a prospective study using a two-period design performing ISB during the first and SSB during the second period. Out-come parameters were: discomfort in relation to the blocks, consumption of analgesics and pain score during rest / passive movement. Results: No difference was indicated between the groups as to demographic data and du-ration of operation. The efficacy of blocks was documented by hand grip strength and two-point discrimination. Increased discomfort was related to ISB compared to SSB (P<0.001). Pain scores at rest and passive flexion of the shoulder were modestly better with SSB than ISB. The consumption of analgesics did not deviate significantly. Conclusion: The results of the present study combined with the former reports describing serious lesions in relation to ISB make us recommend SSB as the first choice of blockade for arthroscopic acromioplasty.