Comparing Nerve Blocks for Shoulder Surgery Pain

This study is comparing two ways to manage pain after total shoulder replacement surgery: an Interscalene Catheter and an Exparel Single Shot Interscalene Block. The catheter provides a continuous infusion of pain medication (0.2% ropivacaine) after an initial dose of 0.5% bupivacaine. The single shot block uses a combination of 133 mg Liposomal Bupivacaine (a longer-lasting form of bupivacaine) and 10 ccs of 0.5% Bupivacaine. Researchers want to see which method is better at controlling pain after surgery. You may be able to join if you are having reverse shoulder replacement surgery, are between 18 and 90 years old, and meet other health criteria. The main goal is to measure your pain score one day after surgery. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 56 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two different pain management procedures for 56 participants. It is not specified if participants are randomly assigned or if the study is blinded.
What's involved
You would receive one of two nerve block procedures before your shoulder surgery. Your pain score will be assessed one day after surgery.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your pain will be assessed one day after your 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.

NCT05868330

Comparison of Interscalene Catheter to Single Injection Interscalene Blocks for Total Shoulder Arthroplasties

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 18–90InterventionalHealth services
Melinda Seering
~56 participants
Updated 2025-11-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Interscalene CatheterExparel Single Shot Interscalene Block

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Pain Score Assessed by functional pain score at POD 1
Measured over The primary outcome will occur at 1 day after surgery date
Post Operative Pain
Anesthesia
Nerve Block
Shoulder Osteoarthritis

NCT05868330

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

    Iowa City, Iowastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Melinda Seering, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Iowa

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

  • Pain Score Assessed by functional pain score at POD 1The primary outcome will occur at 1 day after surgery date

    The primary outcome to be assessed is to determine if there is a quantitative difference in post-operative pain scores as a result of the administration of a interscalene Exparel block versus the administration of an interscalene catheter for shoulder replacement surgery. The functional pain scale is a slightly more quantifiable measure of pain used in a diverse adult population to look at functional ability with pain. The Functional Pain Scale incorporates a "0" to "5" scale, with worsening pain being registered by higher numbers.