Nerve blocks for shoulder surgery

Interscalene nerve blocks are sometimes recommended for some shoulder surgery, to provide targeted pain relief for hours after your surgery. Done before your general anaesthetic, using local anaesthetic +/- sedation.

Side effects/risks:

More common

• Inadequate block/failure

• Local bruising

• Infection

• Temporary nerve damage

  • about 1 in 10 people experience some tingling or numbness in their arm or hand for a few weeks after the surgery. These symptoms have gone after 6 weeks in 95% of people and gone completely after 1 year in 99% of people.

Rare/very rare

• Hoarse voice

• Eyelid drooping +/- small pupil

• Difficulty taking a deep breath

• Permanent nerve damage (1:5000)

  • There is a risk of nerve damage after any operation regardless of whether you have had a block.

Aftercare

• Your arm/shoulder can be numb for up to 24 hours

• Keep your arm in a sling for support and protection until sensation and movement are back to normal

• Start taking your pain relief medicines before the block wears off

  • This is important as the pain can appear quite suddenly.

Link to the Royal College of Anaesthetists information leaflet on nerve blocks:

Peripheral nerve blocks RCoA information leaflet