Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Analgesia in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Case Series
Abstract
Effective pain management after arthroscopic shoulder surgery is essential for recovery. Traditional regional anesthesia techniques may lead to motor blockade. The serratus posterior superior intercostal plane (SPSIP) block is a recently described technique that aims to provide predominantly sensory analgesia. In this descriptive case series, 12 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair received ultrasound-guided SPSIP block. Postoperative pain was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, and tramadol consumption was recorded during the first 24 hours. Patients demonstrated low pain scores and modest tramadol use (mean 58 ± 36 mg). No formal motor assessment was performed; therefore, any potential motor-sparing effect should be interpreted cautiously and considered hypothesis-generating only.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Anesthesia and Pain Management
Shoulder Injury and Treatment
Nerve Injury and Rehabilitation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- A&A Practice
- Publisher
- Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e02136–e02136
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN