Preoperative Versus Postoperative Interscalene Block in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

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.