Treatment of shoulder pain with ultrasound-guided interfascial plane block

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.