Brachial Plexus Block Research Articles

Comment on “Combined thoracic epidural anaesthesia and interscalene brachial plexus block for modified radical mastectomy in a high-risk patient”

Comment on “Combined thoracic epidural anaesthesia and interscalene brachial plexus block for modified radical mastectomy in a high-risk patient”

Evaluating the Clinical Utility of Brachial Plexus Block for Reducing Opioid Exposure in Pediatric Elbow Fracture Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Reducing opioid exposure in common pediatric surgeries is of paramount importance. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of regional nerve blocks in reducing opioid exposure while preserving high success rates. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study (1:1) including patients with elbow fractures < 12 years old who underwent treatment with percutaneous pinning. Patients were divided into general-anesthesia (GA) and GA-followed-by-supraclavicular-brachial-plexus-block (GA-SCB) groups. The primary outcome was the number of patients administered postoperative rescue opioids. The secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative opioid administration, the time to first request for rescue analgesia, pain scores, block success rate, block performing time, and block-related complications. Results: In a total of 478 patients, 363 underwent percutaneous pinning, and 86 were cohort-matched (GA: n = 43, GA-SCB: n = 43). On the first postoperative day, 34 (79.0%) patients in the GA group were administered postoperative rescue opioids, compared with 12 (27.9%) in the GA-SCB group (p < 0.001). All the patients in the GA-SCB group were opioid-free during the intraoperative period. No SCB-associated complications were observed. Total opioid consumption was significantly lower in the GA-SCB group than in the GA group until the first postoperative day (GA vs. GA-SCB, 3.2 ± 3.0 mg vs. 0.9 ± 1.8 mg, p < 0.001). Conclusions: SCB application in pediatric patients who underwent elbow fracture surgery significantly reduced opioid exposure and had a high success rate when performed using ultrasound guidance by an expert. Furthermore, the complication risk and surgical delay were minimal.

Sonographic assessment of hemi-diaphragmatic palsy post brachial plexus blocks

Background and Aim: Brachial plexus blocks (BPB) are indispensable in providing surgical anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia. Although Hemi-diaphragmatic palsy (HDP) after BPB is clinically insignificant in the majority, it can cause significant physiological impairment in patients with reduced pulmonary function. Sonographic assessment of diaphragmatic function using the ABCDE approach provides accurate and quantitative information on HDP. This can be performed bedside before and after administration of the nerve block to quantify HDP. This was a prospective observational study comparing ultrasound-guided diaphragmatic thickness in two approaches of ultrasound-guided BPB. Methodology: Eighty participants receiving eitherinterscalene/supraclavicular BPB were included in this observational study. Baseline vitals, NRS score for pain and ultrasound-guided diaphragm thickness at inspiration and expiration using the ABCDE approach were noted. After 20 minutes of BPB administration, the diaphragm thickness was remeasured. Results: Eighty participants completed the study, forty from either group. Average volume of the total local anaesthetic drug mixture used was noted to be 30ml. The diaphragmatic thickness ratio in the supraclavicular group was found to decrease by 2.34% as compared to 2.39% in the interscalene group. (p-value 0.256 baseline values,0.292 for post block values) The thickness fraction was found to decrease by 9.21% in Group A as compared to 9.04% in Group B (P value 0.248 baseline values and 0.292 post-block values). There was no statistically significant difference between the diaphragm thickness in both the group'spre- and post-block, irrespective of the approach used. Conclusion: The ABCDE approach to measure diaphragm thickness can be used as a simple bedside modality to quantify the amount of HDP occurring after ultrasound-guided BPB. It is easy to learn &amp; a non-invasive modality which can be used to improve patient safety during BPB Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.23 (Special Issue) 2024 p.S101-S106

Comparing Perfusion Index and Visual Analogue Scores for Postoperative Pain Assessment Following Upper Limb Surgeries Under Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: An Observational Study.

Effective pain assessment is crucial to tailor the analgesic regimen post-operatively. Perfusion index (PI) has been reported to be a useful objective assessment tool for monitoring pain. This study aimed to explore the utility of PI in assessing postoperative pain in upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular block and its correlation with visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. This prospective, observational study included 140 patients scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries. PI, VAS scores, heart rate (HR),mean arterial pressure (MAP) and physiological parameters were recorded at baseline and postoperatively. Inj. tramadol was administered when the VAS score exceeded ≥ 4 and the VAS score, PI, HR and MAP were recorded at 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after administration. Comparison of normally and non-normally distributed data was done using t-statistics and Mann-Whitney U-test respectively. Pearson correlation was used to establish a correlation between variables and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the cut-off value of PI to determine the onset of pain. There was a significant and moderate correlation between pre-analgesic and post-analgesic PI and VAS score (r = -0.425 and -0.448 respectively, p<0.001), while PI and MAP or PI and HR showed only a weak correlation. A cut-off value of 14.7 for PI showed 76.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity in predicting rescue analgesia requirements. The study supports the use of PI as an objective measure for postoperative pain assessment, with a notable correlation with VAS scores. The identified cut-off value for PI adds to its clinical utility in predicting the need for rescue analgesia.

Effectiveness of perineural administration of dexamethasone with lidocaine on onset time of sensory block and early postoperative analgesia in axillary brachial plexus block: a prospective cohort study, Ethiopia.

The axillary brachial plexus block is a popular nerve block for forearm, wrist, and hand surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of perineural administration of dexamethasone as an adjunct to lidocaine with adrenaline on the onset of sensory block and early postoperative analgesia in trans-arterial axillary brachial plexus block. This single-centered prospective cohort study recruited 68 adult patients, 34 in each groups. The frequently used 8mg dexamethasone combined with 1% lidocaine and adrenaline was investigated. The normality of the data was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test. An independent t-test was used to compare the mean values of symmetric numeric data. Categorical variables between the two groups were analyzed using χ2. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kaplan-Meier method using the log-rank test were used to compare asymmetric numeric data, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered as significant. The median onset time of sensory block was comparable between the nonexposed (24(6) min) and exposed group (24(6) min) (P=0.068). However, the duration of sensory block was significantly longer in the exposed group (235.5±37.51min) than the nonexposed group (172.76±28.19min) (P<0.001). The time to the first analgesic request was significantly longer in the exposed than the nonexposed group (P<0.01). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower at 4 and 8h in the exposed group (P<0.05). The addition of 8mg dexamethasone to 1% lidocaine with adrenaline solution in trans-arterial axillary brachial plexus block for ambulatory elective hand, wrist, and forearm surgeries prolonged the duration of sensory blockade and the first analgesic request time but did not reduce the onset time of sensory block. The authors recommend the addition of 8mg dexamethasone to 1% lidocaine with adrenaline solution to prolong the duration of sensory block and the first analgesic request time.

Comparison of hemodynamic and analgesic effects of interscalene block with bupivacaine versus bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine combination for shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia

Background: The interscalene block in shoulder arthroscopy is a well-established procedure. Many drugs have been used as adjuvants to local anesthetics to increase the quality of block in regional anesthesia, with variable results. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine during interscalene block in terms of intraoperative hemodynamic changes and postoperative analgesia. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients, aged 20–55 years of either sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, scheduled for shoulder arthroscopic surgery for &lt;2 h, were allocated into two equal groups to receive inj. bupivacaine (0.25%) with inj. dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg (Group BD, n=15) or inj. bupivacaine (0.25%) with 1 mL normal saline (Group BS, n=15), total volume 20 mL in each case. After settlement of the interscalene block, both groups received general anesthesia as per standard protocol. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate [HR] and systolic blood pressure [SBP]) were assessed in the intraoperative period, and postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale score in the postoperative period at stipulated time points. Results: The mean values of HR and SBP were considerably low at all observed time points in the intraoperative period (i.e., at 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and120 min), in comparison with the saline group (P&lt;0.0001). VAS scores between the two groups were considerably lower only at 8, 12, and 18 h in patients receiving dexmedetomidine (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant with bupivacaine can achieve a better hemodynamic profile (lower HR and SBP) in the intraoperative period. Also, the use of dexmedetomidine provides better postoperative analgesia profiles in the later part of the postoperative period (8–18 h), and the effect usually wanes by 24 h.

Effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to brachial plexus block in upper limb orthopedic surgeries – A systemic review and meta-analysis

Brachial plexus block for upper limb orthopedic surgeries has been widely used for surgical anesthesia and post operative analgesia. Various adjuvants are used to prolong the duration of the nerve block. Systemic dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics has been shown to prolong the duration of the nerve block in some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) but is far from unanimous in its efficacy. Hence, an updated meta-analysis was planned to assess the efficacy and safety of systemic dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in brachial plexus nerve block (BPNB). Objective of the study is to assess the duration of analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb orthopaedic procedures with BPNB and intravenous dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant. Data sources were PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were systematically searched till July 2023. The meta-analysis included all published studies that investigated the effect of systemic dexmedetomidine on duration of analgesia following BPNB. The data extraction was guided by a predetermined checklist. Analysis was done Using RevMan_5 software, the mean difference for duration of analgesia between the two groups and odds ratio was calculated from the selected studies. The fixed-effects model was used to compare the difference in the duration of analgesia between the two groups. The outcome was prolonged duration of analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb orthopedic procedure where intravenous dexmedetomidine was used as an adjuvant to peripheral nerve blocks. Our meta-analysis currently generates the evidence that intravenous dexmedetomidine administration offers advantages over other drugs in terms of prolonged duration of analgesia.

“Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with intra-articular injection of bupivacaine versus ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block in shoulder arthroscopy”

“Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with intra-articular injection of bupivacaine versus ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block in shoulder arthroscopy”

Addition of Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block and Axillary Nerve Block to Parecoxib Is More Effective in Early Postoperative Pain Control After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to prospectively compare the pain intensity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) between patients who received ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) and axillary nerve block (ANB) as well as preincisional parecoxib and patients who received preincisional parecoxib only. MethodsSixty-one patients receiving ARCR between March 2020 and March 2021 were prospectively enrolled. They were randomly assigned to the peripheral nerve block group (group N, n=30) or control group (group C, n=31). Two patients from group C were excluded because of miscommunication. All patients were administered parecoxib 40 mg intravenously prior to induction of anesthesia. In group N, SSNB/ANB were performed after general anesthesia while no nerve block was performed in group C. The pain intensity was compared before the surgery, as well as immediately, 24 hours and 2 weeks after the surgery. PROs, including Oxford shoulder score, University of California-Los Angeles shoulder score and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, were compared before and 6 months after the surgery. ResultsThe resting pain numerical rating scale (NRS) was significantly lower in group N (4.9 ± 3.1 vs. 7.6 ± 2.5, p<0.001) immediately after the surgery, but no difference was noted 24 hours after the surgery. The resting pain NRS 2 weeks after the surgery was significantly lower in group N (1.4 ± 1.6 vs. 2.7 ± 2.7, p=0.03), but the movement-evoked pain and night pain were similar. All PROs significantly improved 6 months after the surgery in both groups, but there was no difference between the 2 groups. ConclusionAddition of preoperative ultrasound-guided SSNB and ANB to parecoxib offered better resting pain control immediately and 2 weeks after ARCR, but there was no benefit for PROs 6 months after the surgery. Level of EvidenceLevel 2 prospective randomized controlled trial

Reduced Opioid Use Among Patients Who Received Liposomal Bupivacaine Brachial Plexus Block for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Purpose This retrospective cohort explores the efficacy of regional shoulder blocks using Exparel™ in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA)/reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to reduce total opioid prescription, refills, and length of stay in the acute care setting. Methods Patients who underwent TSA/RSAby a single surgeon in a three-year period were evaluated. Patients in the case group receivedliposomal bupivacaine 1.3% brachial plexus blockwhile the control group received ropivacaine 0.5% interscalene brachial plexus block. Outcomes of the study included the number of opioids taken, opioids prescribed, and length of hospital stay. Results Thirty-six patients underwent TSA/RSA between January 2017 and March 2020. Patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had decreased opioid use within the first 24 hours after surgery compared to the ropivacaine group, 9.00 ± 14.10 and 26.20 ± 24.8 morphine milligram equivalent (MME), respectively (p=0.0213). Patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had decreased opioid prescriptions over the entire postoperative follow-up,411.00 ± 200.74 MME in the case group and 593.07 ± 297.57 MME in the control group (p=0.0314). Lastly, patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had a shorter length of hospital stay, 1.28 ± 0.91 days as compared to the control group's2.15 ± 1.49 days (p=0.0451). Conclusion This study demonstrates a significant reduction in opioid prescribing and use in patients who receive Exparel brachial plexus nerve blocks compared to non-liposomal local anesthetics, as well as a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay. The data suggest that Exparel use may decrease the risks associated with opioid use while providing adequate analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

Evaluation of Analgesia Using Perineural Dexamethasone Compound in Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block After Shoulder Surgery.

The objective of this study was to examine analgesia when using perineural dexamethasone compound in an interscalene brachial plexus block following shoulder surgery. This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Patients meeting the specified criteria were randomly divided into two groups: The experimental group and the control group, each comprising 30 individuals. Age and gender were matched between the groups. The control group received lidocaine along with 2 cc of 0.5% bupivacaine (20 milligrams) and 2 cc of normal saline; however, the experimental group received lidocaine, along with 2 cc of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2 cc of dexamethasone. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and covariance analysis was applied for data analysis. The results demonstrated that pain intensity was notably lower in the experimental (dexamethasone) group than in the control group at both the 12-hour group (P < 0.001) and 24-hour (P < 0.001) postoperative marks. Dexamethasone significantly reduced pain among the patients. In conclusion, administering dexamethasone to potential candidates for shoulder surgery could lead to prolonged analgesia for up to 24 hours after the surgery. Consequently, this medication can serve as an efficacious analgesic option for pain management in these patients.

Comparison of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine in continuous axillary brachial plexus block

Aims: This study compares bupivacaine – lidocaine and levobupivacaine – lidocaine administrations in terms of initiation and duration of motor and sensorial blockage, total number of additional analgesic applications, analgesic amount consumed in 24 hours, side-effects and hemodynamic effects in continuous axillary brachial pleksus block in hand and forearm surgery. Methods: Thirty ASA I &amp; II physical status patients, scheduled hand or forearm surgery were enrolled for of the two groups in a randomized study. Axillary catheter duly placed in both group with appropriate guided techniques. Patients in group B received 0. 5% bupivacaine 20 ml + 2% lidocaine 20 ml and group L received 0. 5% levobupivacaine 20 ml + 2% lidocaine 20 ml through the axillary catheter. Initiation and duration of motor and sensorial block, total number of additional analgesic applications and analgesic amount consumed in postoperative 24 hours were recorded. Pre-block, peri-operative and post-operative blood pressures and heart beat rates were also recorded. Block application duration, operation duration, tourniquet duration and demographic data of patients (age, sex, weight, and length) were recorded. Demanded and applied analgesic doses by the patient controlled analgesia devices, side effects and complications were also recorded. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of initiation and duration of motor and sensorial block, amount of analgesic consumed in 24 hours, demanded and applied analgesic doses by the patient controlled analgesia devices and hemodynamic data (p&gt;0. 05). There is a mild and positive relation between block application duration and patient weight. (p=0. 014; r=0. 444) Conclusion: Both bupivacaine+lidocaine and levobupivacaine+lidocaine combinations can safely be used in axillary continuous brachial plexus block without any difference in terms of initiation and duration of block, total analgesic amount consumed. Their duration of action and effect on hemodynamic responses are similar.

Prolonged critical avalanche burial for nearly 23 h with severe hypothermia and severe frostbite with good recovery: a case report

BackgroundAccidental hypothermia with severe frostbite is a rare combination of injuries with a high risk for long-term sequelae. There are widely accepted recommendations for the management of avalanche victims and for frostbite treatment, but no recommendation exists for the treatment of frostbite in severe hypothermic patients, specifically for the management of hypothermic avalanche victims presenting with frostbite.Case presentationWe present a case of a previously healthy, 53-year-old male skier who was critically buried by an avalanche at 2300 m of altitude at an ambient temperature of − 8 °C for nearly 23 h. The victim was found with the right hand out of the snow and an air connection to outside. He was somnolent with Glasgow Coma Scale 11 (Eye 4, Verbal 2, Motor 5) and spontaneously breathing, in a severely hypothermic state with an initial core temperature of 23.1 °C and signs of cold injuries in all four extremities. After rescue and active external forced air rewarming in the intensive care unit, the clinical signs of first-degree frostbite on both feet and the left hand vanished, while third- to fourth-degree frostbite injuries became apparent on all fingers of the right hand. After reaching a core body temperature of approximately 36 °C, aggressive frostbite treatment was started with peripheral arterial catheter-directed thrombolysis with alteplase, intravenous iloprost, ibuprofen, dexamethasone and regional sympathicolysis with a right-sided continuous axillary block. After ten months, the patient had no tissue loss but needed neuropathic pain treatment with pregabalin.ConclusionThe combination of severe accidental hypothermia and severe frostbite is rare and challenging, as drug metabolism is unpredictable in a hypothermic patient and no recommendations for combined treatment exist. There is general agreement to give hypothermia treatment the priority and to begin frostbite treatment as early as possible after full rewarming of the patient. More evidence is needed to identify the optimal dosage and time point to initiate treatment of frostbite in severely hypothermic patients. This should be taken into consideration by future treatment recommendations.

Efficacy and safety of extrafascial injection versus intrafascial injection for interscalene brachial plexus block: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) techniques in upper limb and shoulder surgeries. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, and Scopus databases up to May 14th, 2023. We employed a search strategy involving keywords such as "brachial plexus block," "interscalene brachial plexus block," "ISB," "extrafascial," and "intrafascial," without applying search restrictions or filters. Eligible studies consisted of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared extrafascial and intrafascial ISB techniques in adult patients undergoing upper limb and shoulder surgeries. Our analysis included six RCTs encompassing 485 participants. Extrafascial injection demonstrated superiority over intrafascial injection in reducing the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.124 to 0.47, P<0.00001) and preserving respiratory function (MS 0.31, 95% CI 0.1 to 0. 52, P=0.003 FEV<inf>1</inf> in liters). Additionally, extrafascial ISB exhibited a lower risk of block-related complications (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.50, P<0.00001). However, the intrafascial technique offered a faster sensory and motor block onset. The duration of sensory block did not significantly differ. The incidence of Horner syndrome showed no statistically significant difference. Our findings favor extrafascial ISB techniques because they reduce hemidiaphragmatic paresis, preserve respiratory function, and lower block-related complications. However, further research is necessary to establish their safety and efficacy in specific patient populations.

Validating the measurement of passive Musculo-articular wrist stiffness without intentional or reactive contraction using axillary plexus block

BackgroundPassive stiffness describes how easily a joint may move passively. To accurately measure wrist stiffness, an electro-oscillation device was developed. The objectives were to 1) ensuring that the measurement are free from intentional or reflex contraction, 2) analyzing how forearm anatomy affects the passive stiffness of the wrist and 3) determining the clinical practical relevance of the device. MethodsIn this prospective study, the device generated low amplitude sinusoidal motions in flexion and extension on the wrist to quantify elastic and viscous passive stiffness in voluntary orthopaedic patients. The first series of measurements was carried out in the state of voluntary relaxation, the second series of measurements was carried out after an axillary plexus anesthetic block. A matched group of healthy subjects were use for control. FindingsThe Electromechanical Oscillation methods effectively enable the measurement of passive joint stiffness since the stiffness values obtained show no statistically significant difference pre-post the anesthesia. The stiffness values are comparable to those of healthy subjects. The effect of forearm passive structure, estimated by the perimeter of the forearm, influences the passive stiffness of the wrist, mainly the viscous component. InterpretationThe use of sinusoidal oscillation was well accepted by the participants, demonstrating its usefulness and applicability in a clinical setting. This work serves as a foundation for future investigations of orthopaedic and/or neurological pathological conditions characterized by abnormal passive joint stiffness of the wrist. It paves the way for its use as a diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring tool in these pathologies.

Liposomal bupivacaine provides superior pain control compared to bupivacaine with adjuvants in interscalene block for total shoulder replacement: a prospective double-blinded, randomized controlled trial

Optimal pain control methods after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) achieve reduced opioid consumption, shortened hospital stay, and improved patient satisfaction in addition to adequate analgesia. Interscalene brachial plexus block is the gold standard for TSA, yet it typically does not provide pain relief lasting beyond 24 hours. Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) purportedly provides prolonged analgesia, yet it has been minimally explored for interscalene block, and it is significantly more expensive than standard bupivacaine. This is a prospective, 2-arm, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Subjects presenting for anatomic or reverse TSA were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive interscalene brachial plexus block with either LB plus bupivacaine (LBB group) or bupivacaine plus dexamethasone and epinephrine (BDE group). The primary outcome was 120-hour postoperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were pain scores up to 96 hours postoperatively, pain control satisfaction, complications, level of distress from block numbness, and hospital stay. Ninety patients, 45 per group, were included in the intention-to-treat analysis and randomized. Because of withdrawal of consent and loss to follow-up, 40 in each group completed enrollment through postoperative day 60. Total 120-hour postoperative opioid consumption was similar between groups (P=.127), with no differences within 24- or 48-hour time intervals. Postoperative pain scores at 24-48 hours, 48-72 hours, 72-96 hours, and day 60 were significantly lower for the LBB group. LB interscalene brachial plexus block before total shoulder arthroplasty did not reduce 120-hour postoperative opioid consumption but significantly reduced postoperative pain between 24 and 96 hours and at postoperative day60.

Effect of Adding Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to 0.5% Ropivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block- a Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction - Dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in various neuraxial and regional anesthetic procedures in humans, with fewer adverse effects in several studies.Methodology - This study aimed to study and compare the efficacy of Dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg plus 0.5% Ropivacaine versus 0.5% Ropivacaine alone in brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach. After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval this prospective, randomized, comparative study was conducted on 60 patients, 18-60 years, either sex scheduled for elective upper limb surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The primary objective was to study the effects of 0.5% Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg in brachial plexus block in the form of onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade. Secondary objectives included grading the quality of motor block, Sedation Score, Duration of analgesia, Hemodynamic changes, and Side effects, if any.Observations - Group D showed a faster onset and a longer duration of sensory and motor blockage. Rescue analgesia was given with Injection Diclofenac Sodium 75 mg intravenous when patient Numeric Rating Score&gt; 4. The mean sedation score was comparable at baseline, 5th and 10th minutes (P&gt;0.05), significantly higher in Group D from 15th to 480th minutes (P&lt;0.05), and subsequently comparable from 600th to 1440th minutes (P&gt;0.05).Conclusion - When given as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine 0.5% in supraclavicular brachial plexus block, Dexmedetomidine significantly reduces the onset time and increases the duration of sensory and motor block. It also provides excellent sedation during surgery, improves the quality of block, extends the duration of analgesia, and does not cause significant respiratory depression

Anesthesia management in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecka, which is a rare autosomal dominant collagen tissue disease that primarily involves the bone, is a condition that requires careful attention in the preoperative period and in terms of anesthesia management. In this case report, we aimed to present our experience with supraclavicular block in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta who is operated due to intervention for a left humeral fracture, as it is an easy and safe method to use.

Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Blocks: An Anatomical Challenge between Scylla and Charybdis?

Brachial plexus blocks at the interscalene level are frequently chosen by physicians and recommended by textbooks for providing regional anesthesia and analgesia to patients scheduled for shoulder surgery. Published data concerning interscalene single-injection or continuous brachial plexus blocks report good analgesic effects. The principle of interscalene catheters is to extend analgesia beyond the duration of the local anesthetic's effect through continuous infusion, as opposed to a single injection. However, in addition to the recognized beneficial effects of interscalene blocks, whether administered as a single injection or through a catheter, there have been reports of consequences ranging from minor side effects to severe, life-threatening complications. Both can be simply explained by direct mispuncture, as well as undesired local anesthetic spread or misplaced catheters. In particular, catheters pose a high risk when advanced or placed uncontrollably, a fact confirmed by reports of fatal outcomes. Secondary catheter dislocations explain side effects or loss of effectiveness that may occur hours or days after the initial correct function has been observed. From an anatomical and physiological perspective, this appears logical: the catheter tip must be placed near the plexus in an anatomically tight and confined space. Thus, the catheter's position may be altered with the movement of the neck or shoulder, e.g., during physiotherapy. The safe use of interscalene catheters is therefore a balance between high analgesia quality and the control of side effects and complications, much like the passage between Scylla and Charybdis. We are convinced that the anatomical basis crucial for the brachial plexus block procedure at the interscalene level is not sufficiently depicted in the common regional anesthesia literature or textbooks. We would like to provide a comprehensive anatomical survey of the lateral neck, with special attention paid to the safe placement of interscalene catheters.

High satisfaction rate and range of motion can be expected in frozen shoulder after awake manipulation with brachial plexus block

BackgroundAdhesive capsulitis (AC) is a disease of the glenohumeral joint that is characterized by pain and both passive and active global stiffness with a slow and insidious onset. The disease can occur spontaneously (primary AC) or it can be secondary to other comorbidities, surgery, or trauma, such as fracture or dislocation. Multiple treatment approaches have been suggested: intra-articular steroid injection, physical therapy, manipulation under total anesthesia, and arthroscopic or open surgery. Shoulder manipulation under anesthesia is usually proposed to patients that suffer from severe AC and have already undergone several nonoperative treatments without benefit. Different techniques have been proposed. This study presents our manipulation technique and the clinical results we achieved after shoulder mobilization under brachial plexus block in patients with phase III primary AC.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was performed on a sample of 110 patients with phase III AC who were treated with this manipulation and followed up for 1 year. Patients underwent two assessments—before the procedure (T0) and 4 months after it (T1)—based on the Numerical Rating Scale, Simple Shoulder Test, and joint range of motion to assess shoulder pain, function, and joint articulation, respectively. Furthermore, the patients had to express their degree of satisfaction with the procedure and the results achieved.ResultsPositive and statistically significant results were recorded in terms of pain reduction (ΔNPRS = − 5.4; p < 0.01) and improved functionality (Simple Shoulder Test Δ = 5; p < 0.01). Passive range of motion was statistically significantly increased for each movement at T1. Large increases were observed in extrarotation range of motion (ROM): R1 (Δ = 77.5°) and R2 (Δ = 70°), whereas little improvements were observed in intrarotation ROM. Patients achieved satisfying functional and articular recovery in all cases. Complications that needed further treatment occurred in three cases: a brachial plexus injury, a glenoid flake fracture, and persistent pain and stiffness.ConclusionsIn this study, we proposed a standardized method of manipulation under brachial plexus block for patients affected by phase III adhesive capsulitis. The technique was applied among a large cohort of patients, who reported a high satisfaction rate and range-of-motion recovery after 4 months. This could represent an alternative treatment to surgery that has a shorter timeline and does not require patient hospitalization.Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.