2023 AAOS Annual Meeting: Single-Shot Liposomal Bupivacaine Interscalene Nerve Block Provides Equivalent Pain Relief Compared to Continuous Catheter Interscalene Nerve Block for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

90 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to receive a single-shot liposomal bupivacaine interscalene block (n=45) or standard bupivacaine interscalene block via a continuous catheter (n=45). The primary outcome of interest was pain scores on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes of interest included block related complications, patient satisfaction, anesthesia provider time to administer the block, and cost of materials. No differences in pain scores, complication rate, or narcotic consumption were observed between groups. The single shot group was faster to perform and cost less in materials in medication, but did not last as long and may have a lower level of patient satisfaction vs. continuous catheter interscalene block.