Interscalene nerve blocks (ISNBs) reduce length of stay, postoperative pain, and opioid consumption following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). ISNBs with anesthetic agents like bupivacaine are associated with intense rebound pain, while liposomal bupivacaine (LB) can potentially extend pain relief up to 72 h and reduce opioid consumption. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy of LB versus traditional ISNB for postoperative pain management and opioid consumption following ARCR.

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed from inception through March 2024. Randomized controlled trials comparing LB and traditional ISNB for postoperative pain management and opioid consumption following ARCR were included. The meta-analysis on each outcome measure was outlined in a forest plot detailing the standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous variables.

Data was extracted from 5 articles on 362 patients who underwent ARCR, 196 of whom received LB and 166 with a control non-LB ISNB. LB interventions had significantly lower pain scores than controls on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 2 (SMD −3.45, 95% CI [−5.20, −1.60]; P = 0.0003 and SMD −2.39, 95% CI [−4.01, −0.77]; P = 0.004, respectively). There was a significantly lower oral morphine equivalent dosage consumption in the LB cohort than controls on POD 0, POD 1, POD 2, and POD 3 (SMD −4.66; 95% CI, −7.95 to −1.36; p = 0.006; SMD −3.77; 95% CI, −5.69 to −1.85; p = 0.0001, SMD -3.34 95% CI [−5.13, −1.56]; p = 0.0002, and SMD -3.43; 95% CI, −5.74 to −1.12; p = 0.004, respectively).

LB moderately decreased pain scores 24–72 h postoperatively and reduced opioid consumption for up to 96 h following ARCR compared to a control ISNB cohort. However, the clinical difference in opioid usage may not translate to patient benefits or justify the increased cost.

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