[Surgical peri- and postoperative plexus anesthesia in subacromial decompression of the shoulder]

The aim of the present investigation was to check the peri- and postoperative plexus anesthesia on early functional outcome and postoperative analgetic consumption during subacromialen decompression until the date of discharge.

50 patients in the period 01.01.1997 to 01.10.1998 treated by an arthroscopic or open subacromial decompression of the shoulder were registered. Pre- and postoperative functional movement and postoperative analgetic consumption within the first 12 days after the operation were compared according to the procedure used.

The peri- and postoperative plexus anesthesia had a positive influence to early functional outcome as well as on the analgetic consumption. The results are shown in the group of arthroscopic (18) surgery and in the group of the patients operated in an open (32) technique. The patients with plexus anesthesia showed a better functional movement of the shoulder directly postoperatively and a lower consumption analgetic drags. At the time of discharge we found no significant differences between the subjects in both groups.

The investigation shows that peri- and postoperative plexus anesthesia has no positive influence on the early functional outcome after subacromial decompression of the shoulder.