Comparison between Anterior Approach and Posterior Approach of Suprascapular Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Shoulder Arthroscopy

Abstract Background Severe intraoperative and postoperative pain associated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery has high incidence reaching up to 45%, it is often significant enough to interfere with initial recovery and rehabilitation. This pain is difficult to manage without large-dose opioids. Aim of the Work compare between anterior approach and posterior approach of suprascapular nerve block for postoperative analgesia in shoulder arthroscopy. Patients and Methods The study was conducted in Ain Shams University Eldemerdash Hospitals after approval from the ethics committee of anesthesia, intensive care and pain management department and written patients‟ consent. It included a total of 72 adult patients aged 18-60 years, Scheduled for shoulder arthroscopic surgeries. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, 36 each, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results no statistically significant differences in pain scores at 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively between the anterior SSNB and posterior SSNB groups. Postoperative First analgesia request time/hour early in posterior approach comparing to anterior approach (6.03±0.74, 5.64±0.68).opioid requirements were statistically different between the two groups, with a benefit in favour of the anterior route in the recovery area and during the first 24 postoperative hours. Conclusion the main finding is the anterior approach of SSNB provided superior analgesia compared with posterior approach of SSNB in postoperative opioid consumption.