Comparison of the efficacy of supraclavicular approach and infraclavicular approach in ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy of supraclavicular approach and infraclavicular approach in ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block(BPB).Methods One hundred and twenty patients,ASA Ⅰ-Ⅲ,aged 18-80 yr,scheduled for upper extremity surgeries of both gender,were randomized into two groups(n =60):supraclavicular group(group SCB)and infraclavicular group(group ICB).The anesthetic mixture consisted of ropivacaine 0.375％ and lidocaine 1％ in equal volumes with epinephrine 1∶200 000,the total dose was 0.5 ml/kg.The block performance time,duration of anesthesia and success of anesthesia(surgery was accomplished without supplementary block)were recorded.A blinded observer assessed pinprick sensory block in the seven distal nerve territories(axillary,radial,musculocutaneous,median,ulnar,medial antebrachial and medial brachial cutaneous nerves)every 5 min up to 30 min after injection.Success of nerve block,side effects and complications were recorded during and after operalion.Results Group ICB was superior in success rate of anesthesia and nerve block of ulnar,medial antebrachial and medial brachial cutaneous nerves,the rate of parasthesia was lower and the block performance time was longer compared with group SCB(P ＜ 0.05).No major complications occurred in both groups.Conclusion Under ultrasound guidance,infraclavicular BPB is superior to supraclavicular approach. Key words: Nerve block; Ultrasound, interventional; Brachial plexus