New nerve block aims to slash opioid use after shoulder surgery

This study tests whether adding a pectoserratus nerve block to the standard interscalene block can better control pain and reduce opioid use after total shoulder replacement. About 110 adults aged 18 to 85 having shoulder replacement will be randomly assigned to receive either a numbing medicine or a placebo (salt water) in the extra block. The main goal is to see if the extra block lowers the highest pain score in the first 24 hours after surgery.