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Suprascapular and median nerve blocks
Suprascapular and median nerve blocks are regional anesthesia techniques that deliver local anesthetic to specific peripheral nerves to block pain sensation in targeted areas of the shoulder and hand.
Suprascapular and median nerve blocks are regional anesthesia techniques that deliver local anesthetic to specific peripheral nerves to block pain sensation in targeted areas of the shoulder and hand. Used for Shoulder pain and rotator cuff pathology (suprascapular block), Hand and wrist pain (median nerve block), Perioperative anesthesia for shoulder and hand surgery.
At a glance
| Generic name | Suprascapular and median nerve blocks |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Bupivacaine, kenalog |
| Sponsor | Ottawa Hospital Research Institute |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management / Regional Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
These are procedural interventions rather than pharmaceutical drugs. Suprascapular nerve blocks anesthetize the nerve supplying the shoulder joint and rotator cuff, while median nerve blocks target the nerve providing sensation to the palm and fingers. Local anesthetic is injected near these nerves under ultrasound or anatomical guidance to provide temporary pain relief and enable surgical or therapeutic procedures without systemic anesthesia.
Approved indications
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff pathology (suprascapular block)
- Hand and wrist pain (median nerve block)
- Perioperative anesthesia for shoulder and hand surgery
Common side effects
- Temporary numbness or weakness in blocked area
- Nerve injury (rare)
- Vascular puncture
- Local anesthetic toxicity (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Interscalene and Suprascapular Blocks Used in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Therapeutic Effect of Shoulder Anterior Capsular Block Versus Suprascapular Nerve Block in Patients With Frozen Shoulder (NA)
- The Analgesic Effect of (SHAC) Block Versus Suprascapular Nerve Block in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgeries (NA)
- Comparison Between Interscalene Block and Combined Suprascapular and Axillary Blocks for Proximal Humerus Fracture Surgeries. (NA)
- Peripheral Nerve Injections for CRPS (PHASE2)
- Ultrasound Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block Versus ISB Block in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery (NA)
- Sub Omohyoid Suprascapular Nerve Block Versus Interscalene Nerve Block (NA)
- Upper Trunk Block Feasibility by Anesthesia Residents (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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