Nam-Du Ha, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Byeong Seong Kang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chang Ho Hwang, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sang Hun Ko, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jae Cheol Hwang, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Young Cheol Weon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Seong Hoon Choi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shang Hun Shin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Woon Jung Kwon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cheol Mog Hwang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hyeokjin Hong MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this study is to explore the usefulness of an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block in patients with rotator cuff tear in order to manage their postoperative pain.

This prospective study involved 31 patients (25 males and 6 females) who had been diagnosed with rotator cuff tear between July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Fifteen patients underwent ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, while another 16 patients underwent placebo injection of normal saline on hypodermic layer overlying the spine of scapula. Ultrasonography was performed using a linear-array transducer (5- to 12-MHz). A 20-gauge, 3.5-inch spinal needle was positioned directly into the suprascapular notch during real-time visualization while injecting a mixture of 5ml of 0.5% ropivacaine and 5ml of normal saline. Each patient’s outcome was assessed on the basis of the visual analog scale (VAS) results that were recorded at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours postoperatively with ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block group and placebo group.

In each case of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, a low echoic fluid collection in the suprascapular notch was seen on ultrasonography. The VAS scores of 4 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours postoperatively were significantly reduced compared with the scores of patients’ who did placebo injection (p<0.05, respectively). There were no complications at the injection site, and none of the patients had pneumothorax or systemic side effects after injection.

Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block for patients with rotator cuff tear is a safe and useful method for managing postoperative pain.

Preoperative ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block is an effective and safe method and is recommended for managing postoperative pain in patients with rotator cuff tear.

Ha, N, Kang, B, Hwang, C, Ko, S, Hwang, J, Weon, Y, Choi, S, Shin, S, Kwon, W, Hwang, C, Hong, H, The Effectiveness of Preoperative Ultrasound-guided Suprascapular Nerve Block.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11003031.html