Effects of single‐injection vs. continuous brachial plexus blocks for shoulder surgeries on patient‐reported outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
Continuous brachial plexus blocks are associated with better pain at rest and other patient-centred outcomes following shoulder surgery, while effects on dynamic pain and long-term functional recovery remain uncertain.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing elective shoulder surgery
- Participants
- 1,198 adults · 20 RCTs
- Comparison
- Single-injection vs continuous brachial plexus blocks
- Outcome
- Co-primary: patient-reported pain intensity at rest and during movement
- Follow-up
- 12 h, 24 h and 48 h
Methodological detailsrandom-effects meta-analysis
- Random-effects meta-analysis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pain at rest and on movement
Continuous vs Single-injectionMD (95% CI)P value
Pain at rest, 12 h
−1.96(−2.81 to −1.11)
P < 0.001Pain at rest, 24 h
−1.66(−2.27 to −1.05)
P < 0.001Pain at rest, 48 h
- 1.18(−1.84 to −0.53)
P < 0.001Pain on movement, 24 h
−2.04(−4.26-0.19)
P = 0.07Pain on movement, 48 h
- 1.30(−3.67-1.07)
P = 0.28Original publication
Effects of single‐injection vs. continuous brachial plexus blocks for shoulder surgeries on patient‐reported outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials. Anaesthesia. Published 23 June 2026. doi:10.
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