Treatment of shoulder pain with ultrasound-guided interfascial plane block: A case series.

Abstract

Background: Shoulder pain is a common presentation to the Emergency Department (ED). Despite an increasing volume of ED visits for shoulder pain, achieving adequate pain control can be challenging. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, such as the interscalene nerve block (ISB), are effective but can cause hemidiaphragmatic paresis and motor dysfunction. The interfascial plane block (IPB) is a simple and new regional anesthesia technique that spares the diaphragm, and most upper extremity motor function.

Case report: Three patients presented to the ED with acute shoulder pain refractory to oral analgesics and were treated successfully with an ultrasound-guided IPB in the ED.

Conclusion: The ultrasound-guided IPB is a simple, safe, and effective alternative approach to treating shoulder pain in the ED, especially in patients who may not tolerate ISB.