Orthopedics
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Comparative Study
Comparison of postoperative pain in patients receiving interscalene block or general anesthesia for shoulder surgery.
A retrospective review of 114 patients who underwent elective shoulder surgery from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1996 was performed. Eighty-eight patients received general anesthesia and 26 patients received regional anesthesia (interscalene block). ⋯ A higher percentage of patients who received regional anesthesia had a lower pain rating at 4 hours. Regional anesthesia for shoulder surgery decreases pain and facilitates recovery in the immediate postoperative period.