Review of suprascapular nerve block under ultrasound-guided: Alternative technique with clinical roles

Abstract

Objective: Suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) is also useful for regional anesthesia and reliable postoperative pain management on shoulder surgery. The phrenic nerve palsy is one of the most concerning complications for SSNB causing hemidiaphrag-matic paralysis. This article aims to describe the essential knowledge of SSNB under ultrasound-guided. Data is being showed pertinent to the anatomical suprascapular nerve (SSN), techniques of SSNB, and clinical complications. In addition, also pro-vides ideas of research perspectives in the future. Materials and Methods: For this article was accumulated the systematic search strategy for major electronic databases con-sists of PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and textbooks. Results: The SSN emerged from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus and ran underneath the inferior belly of the omohy-oid muscle in the supraclavicular fossa. For SSNB techniques, the posterior approach at suprascapular fossa had a limitation of depth, and difficult to visualize the SSN from the supraspinatus muscle. In contrast, the anterior approach at supraclavicular fossa was easily identified the SSN by using the sonoanatomical landmark of the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle. This approach was performed at a low incidence of phrenic nerve palsy and was highly satisfied with pain control relief. Conclusions: The anterior approach ultrasound-guided SSNB is a new alternative technique for regional analgesia and alle-viates pain control on shoulder surgery. The sonoanatomy of the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle is a crucial landmark that assists in the identification of SSN. Additionally, the efficient volume for SSNB is necessary to investigate in future studies.