Postoperative PainNCT07429669
Comparative Analgesia and Respiratory Effects of Shoulder Blocks
A study testing Interscalene block, Anterior suprascapular block and Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block in people with Postoperative Pain and Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery, run by Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Interscalene block is widely accepted as the gold-standard regional analgesic technique for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, because this block is performed at the level of the brachial plexus roots, it may be associated with adverse effects such as phrenic nerve blockade and subsequent… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Postoperative Pain, Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- What is being tested?
- Interscalene block, Anterior suprascapular block and Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 23 Feb 2026to 30 Nov 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients with ASA scores I-II-III
- Patients scheduled for elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery
- Patients who have been informed about the study and have given written consent will be included.
Who cannot join
- Those with a known allergy to local anesthetics
- Those with an infection at the application site
- Those with a severe coagulopathy disorder or anticoagulant use
- Those with contralateral phrenic nerve palsy or a serious pulmonary diagnosis
- Those with a history of chronic opioid use or neuropathic pain
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06170
Musa Zengin, Associate Professor, 00905307716235, musazengin@gmail.com
Muammer Bulut, MD, 00905545839533, muammerblt8@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Analgesic Efficacy and Respiratory Effects of Interscalene, Anterior Suprascapular, and Pericapsular Nerve Group Blocks in Shoulder Arthroscopy
Interscalene block is widely accepted as the gold-standard regional analgesic technique for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, because this block is performed at the level of the brachial plexus roots, it may be associated with adverse effects such as phrenic nerve blockade and subsequent diaphragmatic dysfunction. These limitations have prompted the search for alternative regional anesthesia techniques that can provide effective postoperative analgesia while preserving respiratory function.
The anterior suprascapular block, which covers a broad dermatomal distribution of the shoulder region, has been shown in some studies to provide sufficient analgesia as a standalone technique. In addition, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block of the shoulder-applied around the anterior capsule and performed at a distance from critical neurovascular structures that may lead to serious complications-may represent another potential analgesic option following arthroscopic shoulder procedures.
Therefore, this study aims to evaluate alternative regional block techniques in comparison with the interscalene block and to contribute to the identification of an optimal analgesic strategy after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
- Conditions
- Postoperative Pain, Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Being tested
- Interscalene block, Anterior suprascapular block, Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block
- Keywords
- Interscalene block, Anterior suprascapular block, Pericapsular nerve group block, Shoulder Block, Arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Pain, acute, Pain, Postoperative
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative, Acute Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Interscalene blockProcedure or surgery
Interscalene block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position.
Anterior suprascapular blockProcedure or surgery
Anterior suprascapular block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position.
Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) blockProcedure or surgery
Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Interscalene block | Active comparator | In the preoperative period, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be injected between C5 and C6 using an in-plane technique guided by a linear ultrasound (US) probe. Receives: Procedure: Interscalene block |
| Anterior suprascapular block | Active comparator | A linear ultrasound probe will be positioned in the supraclavicular fossa, parallel to the clavicle. The suprascapular nerve will be identified as a hyperechoic oval structure deep to the omohyoid muscle and posterior-lateral to the brachial plexus. 10 mL of local anesthetic will be injected under the omohyoid muscle, around the suprascapular nerve. Receives: Procedure: Anterior suprascapular block |
| Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block | Active comparator | A linear ultrasound probe will be placed sagittally, near the axillary region, just below the coracoid process. The subscapularis muscle and its tendon will be visualized. The target area is the space between the deep fascia of the subscapularis muscle and the anterior surface of the shoulder joint capsule. The needle will pass the subscapularis muscle and be guided into the plane between the capsule and the muscle, where 20 mL of local anesthetic will be dispensed to block the articular branches innervating the capsule. Receives: Procedure: Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain scores
Pain will be assessed at rest and while coughing using the visual analog scale on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain) at the first postoperative hour.
Measured: First hour after the surgery
Secondary outcomes (4)
Pain scores
Pain will be assessed at rest and while coughing using the visual analog scale on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain). Pain assessment will be done at the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours after surgery.
Measured: First 24 hours after surgery
Forced vital capacity (FVC) (volume)
Forced vital capacity (FVC) (volume) will be evaluated during the perioperative period. Measurements will be performed before block administration (baseline), at 30 minutes after the block, and at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 hours.
Measured: Perioperative period
Forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) (volume)
Forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) (volume) will be evaluated during the perioperative period. Measurements will be performed before block administration (baseline), at 30 minutes after the block, and at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 hours.
Measured: Perioperative period
FEV1/FVC
FEV1/FVC will be evaluated during the perioperative period. Measurements will be performed before block administration (baseline), at 30 minutes after the block, and at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 hours.
Measured: Perioperative period
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Feb 2026
- Study start23 Feb 2026
- Primary completion10 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postoperative PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Musa Zengin, Ankara Etlik City Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07429669
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AEŞH-EK-2026-020
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Analgesic Efficacy and Respiratory Effects of Interscalene, Anterior Suprascapular, and Pericapsular Nerve Group Blocks in Shoulder Arthroscopy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07429669
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AEŞH-EK-2026-020
- Conditions
- Postoperative Pain, Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Keywords
- Interscalene block, Anterior suprascapular block, Pericapsular nerve group block, Shoulder Block, Arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Pain, acute, Pain, Postoperative
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Interscalene block is widely accepted as the gold-standard regional analgesic technique for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, because this block is performed at the level of the brachial plexus roots, it may be associated with adverse effects such as phrenic nerve blockade and subsequent diaphragmatic dysfunction. These limitations have prompted the search for alternative regional anesthesia techniques that can provide effective postoperative analgesia while preserving respiratory function.
The anterior suprascapular block, which covers a broad dermatomal distribution of the shoulder region, has been shown in some studies to provide sufficient analgesia as a standalone technique. In addition, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block of the shoulder-applied around the anterior capsule and performed at a distance from critical neurovascular structures that may lead to serious complications-may represent another potential analgesic option following arthroscopic shoulder procedures.
Therefore, this study aims to evaluate alternative regional block techniques in comparison with the interscalene block and to contribute to the identification of an optimal analgesic strategy after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Interscalene block | Active comparator | Procedure: Interscalene blockIn the preoperative period, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be injected between C5 and C6 using an in-plane technique guided by a linear ultrasound (US) probe. |
| Anterior suprascapular block | Active comparator | Procedure: Anterior suprascapular blockA linear ultrasound probe will be positioned in the supraclavicular fossa, parallel to the clavicle. The suprascapular nerve will be identified as a hyperechoic oval structure deep to the omohyoid muscle and posterior-lateral to the brachial plexus. 10 mL of local anesthetic will be injected under the omohyoid muscle, around the suprascapular nerve. |
| Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block | Active comparator | Procedure: Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) blockA linear ultrasound probe will be placed sagittally, near the axillary region, just below the coracoid process. The subscapularis muscle and its tendon will be visualized. The target area is the space between the deep fascia of the subscapularis muscle and the anterior surface of the shoulder joint capsule. The needle will pass the subscapularis muscle and be guided into the plane between the capsule and the muscle, where 20 mL of local anesthetic will be dispensed to block the articular branches innervating the capsule. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Patients with ASA scores I-II-III
- Patients scheduled for elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery
- Patients who have been informed about the study and have given written consent will be included.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Those with a known allergy to local anesthetics
- Those with an infection at the application site
- Those with a severe coagulopathy disorder or anticoagulant use
- Those with contralateral phrenic nerve palsy or a serious pulmonary diagnosis
- Those with a history of chronic opioid use or neuropathic pain
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Interscalene blockInterscalene block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position. | Procedure or surgery | Interscalene block |
| Anterior suprascapular blockAnterior suprascapular block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position. | Procedure or surgery | Anterior suprascapular block |
| Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) blockPericapsular nerve group (PENG) block will be performed, under US guidance, before the surgical operation, and when the patient is placed in the supine position. | Procedure or surgery | Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block |
Primary outcome
Pain scores
Time frame: First hour after the surgery
Pain will be assessed at rest and while coughing using the visual analog scale on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain) at the first postoperative hour.
4 secondary outcomes
Pain scores
Time frame: First 24 hours after surgery
Forced vital capacity (FVC) (volume)
Time frame: Perioperative period
Forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) (volume)
Time frame: Perioperative period
FEV1/FVC
Time frame: Perioperative period
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Feb 2026.
Related trials for Postoperative Pain
RecruitingPhase 4
ESP Blocks for Posterior Spinal Fusion
Postoperative Pain
Recruiting
Effect of Cryotherapeutic and Nanotherapeutic Sodium Hypochlorite on Post-Operative Endodontic Pain.
Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis, Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis
RecruitingPhase 2
REctus Sheath Trial
Acute Pain, Postoperative Pain, Acute
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Pectoral Nerve Block (PECS) Using Magnesium Sulfate Added to Dexamethasone on Quality of Recovery and Chronic Post-Mastectomy Pain
Breast Cancer, Postoperative Pain
Active, not recruitingPhase 4
Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Pain in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section at Assuit University Hospital
Cesarean Section
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Interscalene block, Anterior suprascapular block and Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block in people with Postoperative Pain and Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery, run by Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain scores (time frame: First hour after the surgery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Feb 2026.