Periarticular Injections for Post-Surgical Analgesia in Shoulder Surgeries: A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis

Periarticular injections (PAI) are emerging as an effective pain control modality following shoulder surgery. Our objective was to summarize the evidence regarding the effectiveness of PAI in controlling postoperative shoulder pain.

Comparative studies involving PAI with injections at more than one site in or around the shoulder were included. The comparator was a single-shot regional block or placebo. Databases screened include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, the Web of Science, Clinical Trial Registry—India and Clinical Trials.gov.

Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. Six studies compared PAI with different blocks. Two studies compared the use of PAI as an adjuvant to routine anesthesia. There were 373 patients in the PAI group and 365 patients in the control arm. The mean pain scores in the post-anesthetic care unit were pooled and compared. In the quantitative analysis using a random-effects model, two studies were found to be outliers. In the sensitivity analysis excluding them, the TOST test for equivalence of interventions was significant (Z = 1.685, p = 0.046), suggesting the non-inferiority of PAI.

The early results of PAI as a pain control modality after shoulder surgery are comparable to those of conventional blocks. A cocktail of drugs has been used. They are relatively inexpensive and safe. However, larger studies with standardized PAI drugs and protocols are needed to make further recommendations regarding their use.