Superior Trunk Block Catheter Versus Single-shot Superior Trunk Block With Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Shoulder Arthroplasty

Shoulder arthroplasty is associated with significant postoperative pain. Appropriate pain control after shoulder arthroplasty is crucial for postoperative rehabilitation and patient satisfaction. Superior trunk block is a commonly employed regional anesthetic technique for shouler arthroplasty, and a continuous catheter is often placed to extend the analgesic benefit of the block. However, continuous peripheral nervel block (PNB) is more costly and time-consuming than sigle-shot PNB. Recent evidence suggests that intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine (DEX) prolong the analgesic duration after sigle-shot PNB. The investigators will compare continuous superior trunk block with single-shot superior trunk block with IV DEX in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.