Interscalene Catheter vs. Interscalene Liposomal Bupivacaine for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair often causes significant postoperative pain. An interscalene nerve catheter is an effective and proven method to help reduce postoperative pain and decrease opioid use around the time of shoulder surgery. Liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) was recently approved by the FDA for use around the interscalene brachial plexus, and it has been shown to be an effective option, but its analgesic efficacy has limited data. Both techniques are currently being used at the UNC's Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) for analgesia after shoulder arthroscopy. The goal is to ensure that the fairly new Exparel option provides non-inferior analgesia as compared to the prior standard practice of placing a nerve catheter with plain bupivacaine. The investigators hope to ensure the quality of pain control around the time of shoulder arthroscopy at this institution by prospectively and rigorously collecting data during regular follow up.