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Evaluating Nerve Blocks for Shoulder Surgery Pain

This study looks at how different nerve blocks affect breathing after shoulder surgery. Researchers are observing patients who receive either ropivacaine through a catheter or a single injection of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) mixed with bupivacaine. The main goal is to see how many patients experience temporary weakness of the diaphragm (hemidiaphragmatic paralysis) on the side of the block one day after surgery. They will also track pain levels and opioid use. You might be eligible if you are 18-80 years old, speak English, are having primary shoulder surgery, and live within 25 miles of the study site. This is an observational study, meaning researchers will watch and record what happens.

Study design
This is an observational study with 60 participants, divided into three groups based on the type of nerve block they receive.
What's involved
Participants will have their diaphragm evaluated with ultrasound and their breathing monitored before and after surgery for several days. Pain scores and opioid use will also be recorded.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for diaphragm paralysis and breathing measurements up to three days after surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04209504

Evaluating Hemidiaphragmatic Paralysis With Prolonged Neural Blockade From an Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–80Observational
Duke University
~60 participants
Updated 2025-10-01 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:UltrasoundRopivacaineBupivacaineMediPines AGM100 Advanced Respiratory Monitoring System

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis - ipsilateral - postoperative day (POD) 1
Measured over 24 hours

Conditions

Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder Disease
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator Cuff Arthropathy of Left Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Arthropathy of Right Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Repair

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Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
North Carolina1

Study leadership

  • Amanda Kumar, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Duke University

Who to contact

WIlliam M Bullock, MD, PhD
[email protected]
919-681-6437
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

English speaking 18-80 year old ASA 1-3 patients
Primary shoulder surgery
Must live within a 25 mile radius

Exclusion

ASA 4 or 5
Revision shoulder surgery
Diagnosis of chronic pain
Daily chronic opioid use (over 3 months of continuous opioid use)
Inability to communicate pain scores or need for analgesia
Infection at the site of block placement
Age under 18 years old or greater than 80 years old
Pregnant women (as determined by point-of-care serum bHCG)
Intolerance/allergy to local anesthetics
Weight \<50 kg
BMI \> 40
severe pulmonary disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and restrictive lung disease
Suspected, or known addiction to or abuse of illicit drug(s), prescription medicine(s), or alcohol within the past 2 years.
Uncontrolled anxiety, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric disorder that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with study assessments or compliance.
Current or historical evidence of any clinically significant disease or condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may increase the risk of surgery or complicate the subject's postoperative course.

What this trial measures

  • Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis - ipsilateral - postoperative day (POD) 124 hours

    Ultrasound guided evaluation of ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paralysis POD1