This study is evaluating whether the timing of an interscalene nerve block affects pain control and recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery.
An interscalene block is commonly used to reduce pain after shoulder surgery. However, it is not known whether administering the block before surgery or after surgery provides better outcomes. Participants undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are assigned to receive the interscalene block either before the surgical incision or after completion of the procedure.
The study compares postoperative pain levels, opioid medication use, length of hospital stay, and ultrasound imaging quality during block administration between the two groups. Functional recovery is also assessed using patient-reported outcome measures during follow-up.
The investigators hypothesize that administration of the interscalene block before surgery may provide superior early pain control and reduce postoperative opioid requirements while maintaining similar functional outcomes compared with administration after surgery.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 years or older.
* Patients undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
* Presence of a repairable small-, medium-, or large-sized rotator cuff tear confirmed by clinical and imaging evaluation.
* Receipt of an ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block as part of perioperative pain management.
* Ability to provide informed consent and comply with study follow-up requirements.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Irreparable rotator cuff tears.
* Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears not requiring repair.
* Revision rotator cuff repair procedures.
* Concomitant shoulder procedures that could substantially influence postoperative pain or functional outcomes (e.g., shoulder arthroplasty, fracture fixation).
* Previous surgery on the affected shoulder.
* Contraindications to interscalene nerve block, including local anesthetic allergy, infection at the injection site, or severe neurologic disease affecting the brachial plexus.
* Chronic opioid use or opioid dependence before surgery.
* Inability to complete study questionnaires or follow the postoperative rehabilitation protocol.
* Missing baseline or follow-up data required for outcome assessment.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Early Postoperative Pain Intensity — Pre-procedure, postoperative 6th, 12th, 24th hours Patients' postoperative pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Pain scores will be compared between pre-procedure and post-procedure interscalene block groups. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate worse pain intensity.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Istinye University Bahcesehir Liv Research and Training Hospital
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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