Ultrasound-guided infraspinatus-teres minor plane block for acute post traumatic shoulder pain in the emergency department: A case series.
Reena
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Case in brief
Four patients with acute traumatic shoulder pain unresponsive to systemic analgesia were treated with an ultrasound-guided infraspinatus-teres minor (ITM) block in the emergency department. The block involved administering 20-25 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine with dexamethasone, with three patients receiving a continuous catheter infusion. Pain scores decreased from 8-10/10 to 0-1/10 within 30 minutes, allowing for necessary interventions without additional analgesia.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
The ultrasound-guided ITM block is a diaphragm-sparing technique that can effectively manage acute shoulder pain in emergency settings, facilitating timely interventions.
Why it matters
This case series highlights the potential of the ITM block as a practical alternative to traditional analgesic methods, particularly in patients with traumatic shoulder injuries.