Clinical Research Studies

All patients who undergo total shoulder replacement surgery receive nerve blocks (interscalene) unless there is a medical reason that prohibits them. A nerve block is an injection of a local anesthetic (numbing medication) into an area surrounding a nerve to decrease sensation. The decrease in sensation means a decrease in pain. The purpose of this research study is to see if adding Exparel® to the anesthesia we will originally give you will reduce post-operative pain and narcotic usage. Exparel® is an FDA-approved local anesthetic that extends the length of time that anesthesia is effective. The longer the anesthetic is working the less pain you feel after surgery.