Interscalene Dynamometer Pilot Study

Overview

Total shoulder arthroplasty (shoulder replacement) can cause severe postoperative pain. Commonly, patients receive general anesthesia with interscalene block (injection of local anesthetic or numbing medicine near nerves in the shoulder) during surgery. As a result of the interscalene block, patients often experience sensory and motor blockade. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the interscalene block on the anterior deltoid muscle and hand grip strength after total shoulder arthroplasty.

Total shoulder arthroplasty can cause severe postoperative pain. Pain management includes general anesthesia with interscalene block during surgery and intravenous (IV) hydromorphone patient controlled analgesia (PCA) and oral opioid analgesics given after surgery. Side effects, such as motor blockade, may impair participation in physical therapy and diminish patient satisfaction. In order to prepare for a future study that will examine what mixtures of adjuncts/additives will best prevent recovery room pain and minimize motor blockade, the investigators are conducting this pilot study to collect preliminary data on current practice. The investigators believe the current regimen will provide adequate pain relief, but may cause extensive motor blockade and reduce patients' muscle strength after surgery.

Conditions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes