Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block for Postoperative Pain Control at Home: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that ropivacaine, infused with a portable infusion pump via an interscalene perineural catheter for 3 days at home, significantly decreased postoperative pain after orthopedic surgery of the shoulder. In addition to providing potent analgesia and increasing patient satisfaction, perineural infusion decreased opioid requirements and their associated side effects.