Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Mixed Liposomal Bupivacaine to Continuous Catheter for Interscalene Nerve Block During Shoulder Arthroplasty

Continuous-interscalene catheters can prolong analgesia beyond 24h but are resource intensive, while analgesic efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine for single-injection interscalene blocks remains unclear.

With a goal of delivering value-based care, understanding the “value” (outcome/cost) of regional anesthetic techniques is paramount to improving clinical pathways. This investigation examined analgesic efficacy, quality of recovery, and treatment costs.

The authors hypothesized that continuous-interscalene catheter would provide superior analgesia at 24h after surgery but at a greater cost compared to mixed liposomal bupivacaine single-injection interscalene block.