Mini-symposium: Shoulder instability - (iii) Anaesthesia for shoulder surgery

Pain after major open shoulder surgery, which maybe severe or very severe, is the major factor compromising early physical therapy. Interscalene block is a well recognised and efficient technique to control such pain. Various approaches are described; the modified lateral technique is the safest to perform and the most amenable for interscalene catheter insertion. This latter permits continuous infusion of local anaesthetic, the best technique available to achieve postoperative pain relief both at rest and on movement. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.