Continuous Interscalene Nerve Block for a Midshaft Clavicle Fracture: An Opioid-Sparing Postoperative Analgesic Strategy

Abstract

Postoperative pain after surgical clavicle fixation is difficult to treat and often responds incompletely to opioid analgesics. Unfavorable side effects and the risk of misuse of opioid analgesics make regional anesthetic techniques an attractive strategy for treating clavicular pain. Literature on continuous nerve blocks with catheter placement for more prolonged pain control for clavicle fractures is scarce, while such techniques are common for other shoulder surgeries. This case report presents a successful continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) after surgical fixation of a midshaft clavicle fracture. The patient was discharged home on the day of the operation with a portable pump, which provided a local anesthetic infusion for five days postoperatively. The patient was very satisfied with her pain control and only required one dose of oral opioid analgesic postoperatively.