Anterior Suprascapular and Axillary vs. Interscalene Block for Analgesia and Diaphragmatic Function in Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgeries are among the most frequently performed orthopedic interventions and are often associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain. In these procedures, effective pain management is crucial for early rehabilitation and patient comfort. Peripheral nerve blockade is widely used for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. While the interscalene brachial plexus block is considered the gold standard for pain control, it is frequently associated with unintended phrenic nerve blockade, leading to hemidiaphragmatic paresis. To minimize respiratory complications while maintaining effective analgesia, alternative diaphragm-sparing regional anesthesia techniques, such as the combination of suprascapular and axillary nerve blocks, have been introduced. The aim of this study is to compare the analgesic efficacy and respiratory functions preservation of the ultrasound-guided anterior approach suprascapular combined with axillary nerve block versus interscalene block in patients undergoing shoulder surgery