Ultrasound-guided shoulder block versus pericapsular nerve group block for postoperative analgesia in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background Optimal analgesia following arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a critical aspect of patient care. Despite extensive research on the PENG block in hip surgeries, its potential role in shoulder surgery is not yet well understood. This study aimed to assess differences in analgesic outcomes between the shoulder block and PENG block techniques in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgeries. Methodology This prospective study included 46 ASA I and II participants who received elective unilateral shoulder arthroscopy. The patients were randomized into two groups: shoulder block and PENG block. Assessment of their effect on the time of initial analgesic request, pain scores, the total analgesic requirements, and the effect on hemodynamic parameters were the main outcomes. Results Within the first 24 hours postoperatively, PENG block group had showed statistically significant prolonged time to first analgesic demand (p = 0.01) ,less cumulative analgesic dosage (p = 0.02), without any statistical difference in intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (p > 0.05) and VAS scores at most time points, except at 6, 8, and 10 hours where the PENG block demonstrated superior pain control postoperatively (p =0.001), (p =0.04), (p =0.009) respectively in comparison to shoulder block. Conclusions The PENG block is a safe and effective analgesic approach for postoperative pain management after arthroscopic shoulder surgery, offering benefits such as reduced analgesic consumption compared to the shoulder block.