Abstract:Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine during selective cervical nerve root block in postoperative analgesia of shoulder arthroscopic surgery. Methods Sixty patients, with ASA I-II, undergoing selective arthroscopic shoulder surgery, were enrolled. They were randomized to two groups. C5 and C6 nerve root were blocked separately with either 0.5?μg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with 4?ml 0.5% ropivacaine miscible liquids (group DR, n?=?30) or 4?ml 0.5% ropivacaine (group R, n?=?30) thirty minutes before surgery. All patients received laryngeal mask anesthesia. Sensory onset and duration, motor onset and duration were recorded. VAS of 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48?h after surgery were also recorded. The rescue dosages of nalbuphine, patient satisfactions and related complications were recorded, too. Results Compared with group R, sensory and motor block onset time in group DR were significantly shortened (P?0.05); the durations of sensory and motor block were significantly prolonged (P?0.05); postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the group DR than those in the group R 12, 18, 24 and 36?h after surgery (P?0.05); the postoperative requirements of nalbuphine were significantly reduced in group DR; DR group had higher postoperative satisfaction (P?0.05). Two cases of bradycardia occurred in DR group. There was no difference in dyspnea and hoarseness between two groups (P?>?0.05). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant of ropivacaine in cervical nerve root block can shorten sensory and motor block onset time, prolong postoperative analgesia duration and reduce postoperative analgesic requirements, which can be used in arthroscopic shoulder surgery safely.