Efficacy and Emerging Role of Suprascapular Nerve Block for Pain Management after Shoulder Surgeries.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Postoperative pain management is an important aspect of shoulder surgery as it directly influences patient recovery, satisfaction, and the overall success of surgical interventions. While the interscalene nerve block (ISB) has been the standard approach for managing pain in these procedures, it is accompanied by a range of adverse effects, including phrenic nerve paralysis and respiratory complications. These drawbacks can complicate recovery and limit rehabilitation efforts.

RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, the suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) has gained use as a promising alternative for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgeries, particularly in arthroscopic procedures. This review focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the SSNB, exploring its mechanism of action and comparing its efficacy, safety, and clinical benefits to the ISB. Evidence suggests that SSNB effectively targets the suprascapular nerve, which innervates key structures of the shoulder, providing adequate analgesia with a decreased risk of complications typically associated with ISB. The SSNB is also advantageous in the context of ongoing efforts within healthcare to identify safer, effective opioid-sparing pain management strategies. As the demand for effective pain relief continues to grow, the SSNB stands out as a viable option that could transform the approach to postoperative pain management in shoulder surgery.