Abstract:To compare the results of arthroscopy-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) with those of ultrasound- guided interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) in terms of postoperative pain and satisfaction within the first 48 hours after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods 50 patients underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomly allocated to either of the following two groups: group A (n = 25) arthroscopy-guided SSNB was performed by injection of 20 ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine followed general anesthesia; group B (n = 25): ultrasound- guided ISB was performed by preoperative injection of 20 ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine followed general anesthesia. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and adverse effect were recorded at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h post-operation. The amount of non-steroidal analgesic in 48 h after operation and patient satisfaction score were evaluated. Results VAS score between the A group and B group at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery were 1(0.0, 1.0), 1(0.0, 2.0); 1(1.0, 1.5), 1(1.0, 2.0); (2.52 ± 1.48), (3.80 ± 2.60); (3.32 ± 1.55), (4.68 ± 2.30); (2.60 ± 1.35), (3.56 ± 1.39); (2.28 ± 0.94), (2.92 ± 1.96). There was no statistically difference in VAS at 2 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h post-operation between group A and group B (P > 0.05). While group A had lower VAS at 8 h, 12 h and 24 h postoperatively compared with the group B (P < 0.05). Patients in group A had a higher patient satisfaction (P < 0.05), and had no numbness of affected limb (0.00% vs 100.00%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared with conventional ultrasound- guided ISB, arthroscopy-guided SSNB has a better analgesic effect at the 8h, 12h and 24 h after shoulder arthroscopy, with fewer side effects, which is conducive to early rehabilitation training and easier to be accepted by patients.