EVALUATION OF SHORT-AND LONG-TERM CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF ADJUVANT SUPRASCAPULAR NERVE BLOCK IN ARTHROSCOPIC ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) performed with or without intraoperative suprascapular nerve block (SNB), using validated pain and functional assessment measures. Methods: The present retrospective study included 48 patients who underwent arthroscopic single-row repair for isolated supraspinatus tendon tears between March 2021 and February 2024. Group I (n = 22) underwent RCR alone, whereas Group II (n = 26) received RCR combined with intraoperative SNB. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score for shoulder function at three predefined time points: preoperatively, at 3 months postoperatively (early period), and at 12 months postoperatively (long-term follow-up). Results: Statistically significant improvements in both VAS and ASES scores were observed in both groups at the 3- and 12-month follow-ups compared with preoperative values (p < 0.001). At 3 months, Group II demonstrated significantly lower VAS scores than Group I (2.73 vs. 3.14; p = 0.03), indicating superior early postoperative analgesia. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in ASES scores at this time point. By 12 months, both VAS and ASES scores were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Intraoperative SNB provides meaningful early postoperative analgesia without influencing long-term functional outcomes after arthroscopic RCR. Integrating SNB into standard surgical practice may enhance early patient comfort and support the initiation of rehabilitation, while preserving tendon healing integrity.