Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block for the treatment of upper extremity fractures, dislocations, and abscesses in the ED

Abstract

Emergency department (ED) patients with fractures, dislocations, or abscesses of the upper extremities often require closed reduction or incision and drainage to treat these conditions. Procedural sedation is often necessary when infiltration of local anesthetic provides insufficient analgesia. Anesthesiologists commonly perform supraclavicular brachial plexus nerve blocks to achieve analgesia for upper extremity surgery. We report a series of 5 ED patients in whom supraclavicular brachial plexus nerve blocks using real-time ultrasound guidance provided excellent analgesia and obviated the need for procedural sedation.