Association of serratus anterior and pectoserratus plane blocks with persistent shoulder dysfunction after modified radical mastectomy in older breast cancer patients
Authors' conclusion
Routine use of ultrasound-guided PSPB and serratus anterior plane blocks was associated with lower rates of long-term shoulder dysfunction after MRM in geriatric breast cancer patients.
Study context
- Population
- Women aged ≥65 years undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer
- Participants
- 147 women
- Exposure
- Block vs Control
- Blockn = 78
- Controln = 69reference
- Outcome
- Shoulder function (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and Constant-Murley scores, active range of motion)
- Follow-up
- 6 months
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
QuickDASH score (lower = better shoulder function)
Block
7.8
± 9.3
Control
18.7
± 8.8
P < 0.001
- Flexion, block vs control: 138.9° ± 16.8 vs. 133.9° ± 17.1
- P = 0.027
- Abduction, block vs control: 131.1° ± 19.1 vs. 126.9° ± 18.1
- P = 0.049
- Constant-Murley score, block vs control: 83.4 ± 6.9 vs. 84.0 ± 6.4; no significant difference
- P = 0.682
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
Persistent shoulder stiffness · 6 months
P = 0.002
| Outcome | OR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persistent shoulder stiffness · 6 months | 0.29 (0.14–0.59) | P = 0.001 | |
| 0.10.31310Odds ratio (log scale) |
- Persistent shoulder stiffness: multivariable logistic regression; independent protective factor
Original publication
Association of serratus anterior and pectoserratus plane blocks with persistent shoulder dysfunction after modified radical mastectomy in older breast cancer patients. J Clin Anesth. Published 24 August 2026. doi:10.
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