The Effect of Liposomal Bupivacaine Nerve Block (Exparel) in Rotator Cuff Surgery

"Patients randomized to this arm will receive an interscalene block with Exparel solution, an extended-release formulation of bupivacaine (10cc liposomal bupivacaine + 15cc bupivacaine), approved for use at the study institution. This will be administered preoperatively on the day of surgery. The anesthesiologist administering the injection will be not be blinded to the mixture of injections (the surgeon and the patient will), which will be designated and randomized prior to administration. They will order and draw up the medication as they have been previously with no change in the standard of care.~After surgery, the patient will be asked to keep a daily log of their pain scores, and the amount of narcotics will be counted by the physician at the first postoperative visit. The block would have been offered to the patient even if they are not part of the study. No additional visits are required. The only difference is the journal with pain score surveys and the pill count."

"Patients randomized to this arm will receive a standard interscalene block consisting of 25 cc of bupivacaine alone. This will be administered preoperatively on the day of surgery.~The anesthesiologist administering the injection will not be blinded to the mixture of injections (the surgeon and the patient will), which will be designated and randomized prior to administration. They will order and draw up the medication as they have been previously with no change in the standard of care.~After surgery, the patient will be asked to keep a daily log of their pain scores, and the amount of narcotics will be counted by the physician at the first postoperative visit. The block would have been offered to the patient even if they are not part of the study. No additional visits are required. The only difference is the journal with pain score surveys and the pill count."