Subacromial patient-controlled analgesia with ropivacaine provides effective pain control after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

60 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in this trial to compare two different types of patient controlled analgesia. Patients were randomized to receive subacromial patient-controlled analgesia with ropivacaine or intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Following 48 hours of assessment the results of this study suggest that subacromial patient-controlled analgesia with ropivacaine provides better pain relief during the intermediate postoperative period with fewer side effects.