Comparison between ultrasound guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia following shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Summary

50 patients undergoing elective unilateral shoulder arthroscopy were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block or interscalene brachial plexus (ISB) block. Both blocks were performed after induction of general anesthesia using 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative pain at 24 hours measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included time to first rescue analgesic request, total 24-hour pethidine consumption, postoperative haemodynamics, and block-related adverse effects including phrenic nerve palsy, arm paraesthesia, Horner’s syndrome, and arm weakness. Outcomes were assessed from recovery through 24 hours after surgery. Overall, the results of the study revealed no significant differences between groups in postoperative pain, rescue pethidine use, or time to first analgesic request, while PENG block was associated with significantly less phrenic nerve palsy and arm paraesthesia. These findings suggested that PENG block may provide comparable short-term analgesia to ISB block with a more favourable complication profile after shoulder arthroscopy.