Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block: Single Bolus Injection versus Continuous Catheter…

Case reportLocal and regional anesthesia· 2026

Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block: Single Bolus Injection versus Continuous Catheter Placement in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Implications for Postoperative Rehabilitation - A Prospective Randomized Unblinded Trial.

Renata Beck, Pietro Palumbo, Antonella Cotoia … Gilda Cinnella

Shoulder & ElbowCase reportTreatmentQ2IF 1.9

Continuous interscalene catheter gave much lower pain scores than single-shot block at 72 hours

Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block: Single Bolus Injection versus Continuous Catheter Placement in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Implications for Postoperative Rehabilitation - A Prospective Randomized Unblinded Trial.

Renata Beck … Gilda Cinnella

Local and regional anesthesia · 2026

Purpose

This study examined the effectiveness of the interscalene brachial plexus single-shot block (ISBSS) versus continuous block (ISBC) in managing acute and chronic postsurgical pain (postsurgical pain) in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery, and differences between the two groups in rehabilitation.

Methods

Who underwent shoulder arthroscopy under locoregional anesthesia received either single-shot (ISBSS group) (n = 42) or continuous perineural catheter (ISBC group) anesthesia (n = 38).

n = 42

1.5 [1 to 2] vs 5 [4 to 5]

Results

1.5 [1 to 2] vs 5 [4 to 5]

Median pain score (0-10 scale) far lower with continuous catheter than single injection at 72 hours

n = 42

More results

The ISBC group demonstrated lower opioid consumption, a better ASES score, and higher ROM grades at follow-up month 3 for flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation ( P < 0.001).

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Conclusion

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus catheter infusion may effectively control acute and chronic postsurgical pain, facilitating better rehabilitation and healing than single shot injection.

Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block: Single Bolus Injection versus Continuous Catheter Placement in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Implications for Postoperative Rehabilitation - A Prospective Randomized Unblinded Trial.

Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block: Single Bolus Injection versus Continuous Catheter Placement in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Implications for Postoperative Rehabilitation - A Prospective Randomized Unblinded Trial.

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