Intravenous Dexamethasone for Prolongation of Analgesia Following Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Randomized, Controlled, Phase IV Dose-Response Study

For surgery involving the shoulder, anesthesiologists will often inject local anesthetic
numbing medication near nerves supplying the shoulder in what is called a "supraclavicular
nerve block". These nerve blocks cause numbness and weakness in the shoulder leading to
relaxation of the joint which is helpful to the surgeon and allowing for painless surgery
without general anesthesia. After surgery, pain relief is sustained for the duration of the
nerve block.

The primary purpose of this study is to clarify the duration of pain control provided by
supraclavicular blocks when supplemented with varying doses of the steroid anti-inflammatory
dexamethasone when given through the intravenous line (IV). IV dexamethasone is commonly used
for both nausea prevention and block prolongation, but a detailed study of the effect of
varying doses of this medication on duration of pain relief and weakness from the block has
not been studied. The study investigators seek to identify what association, if any, is noted
between IV dexamethasone doses and changes in blood glucose levels after shoulder surgery
with regional anesthesia and sedation. Finally, the study investigators will collect data on
side-effects and postoperative complications, if any, in patients receiving a range of doses
of IV dexamethasone.