Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant Agent to 0.5% Ropivacaine in Ultra Sound Guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block in Orthopaedic Surgeries

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding Dexmedetomidine to Ropivacaine regarding the onset of sensory and motor blockade in ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexusblock. Materials and Method: Fifty-four ASA physical status I-II patients undergoing elective forearm and hand surgery under ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block were allocated into two groups. Group A (n=27) received 20ml 0.5% Ropivacaine + Normal saline(1ml) and Group B (n=27) received 20ml 0.5% Ropivacaine + 0.5µg/kg Dexmedetomidine. Onset time of sensory and motor block and haemodynamic changes were assessed. Results: Onset time of sensory block for ulnar(6.48 minutes), radial(6.51minutes), median(6.59minutes), musculocutaneous (6.66minutes) was significantly faster in group B(p value<0.00001).Onset time of motor block as in Modified Bromage grade 2(8.51minutes), grade 1(11.22minutes) and grade 0(15.40minutes) in group B was significantly faster(pvalue<0.00001). Significant bradycardia was noted in group B. Conclusion: Our study indicated that Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine for ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block fastened onset time of sensory and motor block.