Effects of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Nerve Blocks on the Hand and Forearm
Effects of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Nerve Blocks on the Hand and Forearm
Research study to determine the proportion of cases in which an interscalene brachial plexus
 nerve block produces hand and forearm anesthesia.
This is a research study to prospectively determine the proportion of cases in which an
 interscalene brachial plexus nerve block produces hand and forearm anesthesia. The
 investigators will investigate this issue in patients having shoulder and not hand/forearm
 surgery. We will test hand grip strength and sensation to determine if the hand and forearm
 are responding to the anesthesia.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  18 years of age or older

 -  unilateral orthopedic shoulder surgery

 -  already desiring an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block for postoperative
 analgesia with the anesthetic plan including a preoperative interscalene nerve block
 with mepivacaine

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  any known contraindication to study medications or testing hand grip strength
 pre/post-op

 -  insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

 -  neuropathy of any etiology in the affected extremity

 -  any anticipated incision site apart from the shoulder

 -  Obesity

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Incarceration

 -  inability to communicate with the investigators and hospital staff