Costoclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Research Articles

Costoclavicular versus lateral sagittal infraclavicular brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb orthopaedic surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

Perineural catheters inserted through the costoclavicular (CC) technique of infraclavicular brachial plexus are helpful for postoperative analgesia. This trial compared postoperative local anaesthetic (LA) consumption in an ultrasound (US)-guided perineural catheter inserted by the CC technique with the conventional lateral sagittal (LS) technique. Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I/II patients scheduled for upper limb orthopaedic surgery were randomly assigned to receive a perineural catheter by either the CC technique (Group CC) or LS technique (Group LS). Postoperatively, all patients received patient-controlled regional analgesia (PCRA): bolus-only regime with 0.125% bupivacaine 6 ml and a lock-out interval of 20 minutes. The primary outcome was the 24 h LA consumption. The secondary outcomes were time of activation of PCRA, pain scores, patient satisfaction scores, and block-related complications. Categorical variables are presented as frequency, while continuous variables are expressed as mean [standard deviation (SD)] or median [interquartile range (IQR)]. An independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare these continuous variables. A P value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Patients in Group CC required less LA 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.001) and more time to activate PCRA (P = 0.003). The mean 24 h LA requirement was 83.35 (SD: 31.92) in Group CC as compared to 121.40 (SD: 48.51) ml in Group LS. They also reported better satisfaction scores (P = 0.001). Pain scores were comparable at all time points. Postoperatively, one patient in Group CC complained of paraesthesia, which subsided on removal of the catheter. Patients receiving post-operative analgesia by the CC catheter require lesser 24 h LA and report better satisfaction than those receiving analgesia through the LS technique.

Comparative study on efficacy of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular versus costoclavicular brachial plexus block in patients for arteriovenous fistula surgery

Background: Patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) who require arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation often have multiple comorbidities, making the brachial plexus block a suitable choice for anaesthesia. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular and costoclavicular brachial plexus blocks for AVF creation. Methods: A total of 70 patients scheduled for the creation of AVF in the distal upper extremity were randomly assigned to 2 groups: supraclavicular block (SCB), Group A: n = 35, and costoclavicular block (CCB), Group B: n = 35. Both groups received 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine and 10 ml of 1% lidocaine. The measured parameters included the speed of onset of motor and sensory blockade, the quality of blockade, procedural-related pain score, patient satisfaction, and regional perfusion. Results: The costoclavicular block demonstrated a significantly faster onset to achieve complete paralysis (p = 0.01) in all sensory and motor nerves compared to the supraclavicular block. Additionally, there was a significant difference in regional perfusion, with higher perfusion observed in the supraclavicular block (p = 0.013). However, there were no significant differences in the quality of block (p = 0.573), and procedural-related pain score (p = 0.117) between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The costoclavicular block offers a faster onset of sensory and motor blockade compared to the supraclavicular block. However, they are comparable in terms of the quality of the block and procedural-related pain. This new technique can be considered as an alternative for providing anaesthesia in patients with ESRFundergoing AVF creation.

Diaphragmatic and Pulmonary Functions Following an Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Approach Versus a Costoclavicular Approach of a Brachial Plexus Block: A Randomized Study.

A costoclavicular brachial plexus block is an emerging infraclavicular approach that targets the cords lateral to the axillary artery, providing rapid onset of sensory-motor blockade. However, the incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis (HDP), a potential complication, remains unclear compared to the widely used supraclavicular (SC) approach. This study aimed to compare the incidence of HDP between ultrasound-guided costoclavicular and SC brachial plexus blocks. To compare the influence of ultrasound-guided SC and costoclavicular brachial plexus blocks on diaphragmatic excursion, thickness, and contractility along with pulmonary function. This prospective, randomized, observer-blinded controlled trial included 60 patients undergoing below-shoulder surgeries. Patients were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided SC (Group S) or costoclavicular (Group C) brachial plexus block with 0.5% levobupivacaine. The diaphragmatic function was assessed using ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragm thickness and diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) pre- and postblock. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)) were performed preblock and two hours postblock. Block characteristics were compared. The SC group exhibited a significantly larger reduction in DTF from preblock to postblock compared to the costoclavicular group (mean ΔDTF: 34.38% vs. 14.01%, p<0.01). Both groups showed significant declines in FVC, FEV1, and PEFR postblock, but the magnitude of deterioration was significantly greater in the SC group, displaying no significant difference in block characteristics. The costoclavicular brachial plexus block demonstrated superior preservation of diaphragmatic contractility and lesser deterioration of PFTs compared to the SC approach while being equally effective. These findings highlight the potential benefits of the costoclavicular technique in minimizing diaphragmatic dysfunction and respiratory impairment, particularly in patients at risk for respiratory complications.

Medial versus lateral approach in ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery: a randomized control trial.

Costoclavicular brachial plexus block has become a procedure of choice for surgical anaesthesia or analgesia in upper limb surgery. The technique is not standardised yet, and two approaches are currently employed: the medial and lateral approach. Our study aims to compare the two approaches in terms of performance time and patient-specific clinical outcomes. The primary outcome assessed was performance time. The secondary outcomes were imaging time, needling time, block onset time, total anaesthesia time, anaesthesia success, and performer difficulty score. Of 59 patients, 30 patients were randomized to Group M and 29 patients were randomized to Group L. We conducted statistical analysis using a modified intention-to-treat approach. The mean ± SD for performance time (in minutes) was 11.9 ± 3.8 in Group M and 9.4 ± 4.1 in Group L with a difference between means (95% CI) of 2.4 (0.3 to 4.5) ( P < 0.05). The median (interquartile range) needling time of Group M was 9.5 minutes (5-16) vs. 7 (4-19) in Group L ( P = 0.035). Among patients, 40%, 26.67%, 33.3% in Group M had grade 3, 2, 1 performer difficulty whereas 10.3%, 37.9%, 51.7% in Group L had grade 3, 2, 1 performer difficulty, respectively ( P = 0.032). The mean performance time was 9.95 minutes in patients with body mass index (BMI) 25 ( P = 0.0243). Our study revealed that the medial approach has no significant advantage over the lateral approach with regards to performance time, imaging time, needling time, and performer difficulty. Both performance time and performer difficulty increase with BMI and depth of the cords, with a larger difference in the medial approach.

Costoclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Facilitates Painless Upper Extremity Reduction: A Case Report.

The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCBPB) has emerged as a more effective approach to regional anesthesia of the upper extremity. The costoclavicular space is the anterior portion of the superior thoracic aperture, located between the clavicle and first rib. The brachial plexus cords traverse this space clustered together in a superficial location lateral to the axillary artery and share a consistent topographical relationship to one another. By targeting the brachial plexus at this specific anatomical location, the CCBPB offers a powerful, single-shot, sensorimotor block of the upper extremity below the shoulder. We present a novel application of the CCBPB to facilitate emergency department (ED) analgesia and closed reduction of an upper extremity fracture. A 25-year-old male presented to the ED with a traumatic Colles fracture sustained during a high-speed motor vehicle collision. Despite multimodal analgesia, the patient reported intractable severe pain with intolerance of radial manipulation. An ultrasound-guided CCBPB was performed to augment pain control and avoid procedural sedation, resulting in dense, surgical anesthesia of the upper extremity, and painless fracture reduction. Regional anesthesia is an effective component of multimodal pain management and another tool in the emergency physician's analgesic armamentarium. In acute orthopedic traumas necessitating emergent reduction, regional blocks serve as rescue pain control and can obviate the need for procedural sedation. In terms of targeted upper extremity analgesia, the CCBPB offers effective, single-shot, sensorimotor blockade below the shoulder, mitigating use of opioids and their deleterious side effects, while simultaneously avoiding incomplete blockade or phrenic nerve palsy associated with other approaches to brachial plexus blockade.

Costoclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Facilitates Painless Upper Extremity Reduction: A Case Report

Introduction: The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCBPB) has emerged as a more effective approach to regional anesthesia of the upper extremity. The costoclavicular space is the anterior portion of the superior thoracic aperture, located between the clavicle and first rib. The brachial plexus cords traverse this space clustered together in a superficial location lateral to the axillary artery and share a consistent topographical relationship to one another. By targeting the brachial plexus at this specific anatomical location, the CCBPB offers a powerful, single-shot, sensorimotor block of the upper extremity below the shoulder. We present a novel application of the CCBPB to facilitate emergency department (ED) analgesia and closed reduction of an upper extremity fracture.Case Report: A 25-year-old male presented to the ED with a traumatic Colles fracture sustained during a high-speed motor vehicle collision. Despite multimodal analgesia, the patient reported intractable severe pain with intolerance of radial manipulation. An ultrasound-guided CCBPB was performed to augment pain control and avoid procedural sedation, resulting in dense, surgical anesthesia of the upper extremity, and painless fracture reduction.Conclusion: Regional anesthesia is an effective component of multimodal pain management and another tool in the emergency physician’s analgesic armamentarium. In acute orthopedic traumas necessitating emergent reduction, regional blocks serve as rescue pain control and can obviate the need for procedural sedation. In terms of targeted upper extremity analgesia, the CCBPB offers effective, single-shot, sensorimotor blockade below the shoulder, mitigating use of opioids and their deleterious side effects, while simultaneously avoiding incomplete blockade or phrenic nerve palsy associated with other approaches to brachial plexus blockade.

Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block by Costoclavicular Space Approach: A Narrative Review.

In recent years, ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCB) has gained attention as a novel approach for brachial plexus nerve block. Human anatomy studies have identified the costoclavicular space as the area between the midpoint of the clavicle and the first rib. This space accommodates the brachial plexus, axillary arteries, and veins. Its superficial and fixed position makes it a promising option for infraclavicular brachial plexus blockage, providing a safe and reliable analgesic effect. CCB combines the benefits of real-time ultrasound visualization of the nerve block needle, avoidance of peripheral blood vessels, and targeted delivery of local anesthetics to the nerve. Consequently, it significantly reduces the associated complications of other classical approaches such as interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB), supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCB), lateral sagittal infraclavicular brachial plexus block (LS-ICB), and axillary brachial plexus block. These complications include phrenic paralysis, incomplete brachial plexus block, and pneumothorax. This narrative review examines the literature on brachial plexus block in the costoclavicular space, discussing the anatomical position, the procedure, clinical indications, choice of local anesthetic concentration and volume, and continuous nerve block of CCB. The aim is to provide a basis for future clinical practice and enhanced safety.

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after costoclavicular approach versus other brachial plexus blocks in upper limb surgery: a meta-analysis.

The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCB) is a recently established technique that uses the infraclavicular approach and is performed just below the clavicle. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether CCB can reduce the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP), which is a major adverse event related to brachial plexus block (BPB), while yielding comparable block performance as other BPB techniques. We searched electronic databases to identify relevant studies that compared the incidence of HDP between CCB and other BPB techniques. The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP following CCB and other BPB techniques. The secondary outcomes were pulmonary function test results, other adverse events, and block performance parameters such as onset and performance time. We included six randomized controlled trials that included 414 patients. Compared with the other BPB group, the CCB group had a significantly lower incidence of HDP (relative ratio: 0.21, 95% CI [0.12, 0.36], P < 0.001) and higher peak expiratory flow rate (mean difference: 0.68 L/s, 95% CI [0.13, 1.23], P = 0.015). There were no significant between-group differences with respect to other adverse events and block performance parameters. Compared with other BPB techniques, CCB involves a lower incidence of HDP with comparable onset and performance time.

Brachial Plexus Block in Lateral Position for Fracture Shaft Humerus in Severe Thoracic Kyphoscoliosis- A Case Report

Patients with spine deformities, present unique challenges to the anaesthesiologists. These patients have abnormalities such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculo-skeletal, etc. Spinal deformities may cause difficulties with ventilation, tracheal intubation, regional anaesthesia and positioning. Due to problems associated with respiratory system, regional anaesthesia is widely preferred, though it is technically and logistically difficult. We present a case report of the anaesthetic management of an elderly female with severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis who could not lie supine on bed. She had a fracture of left upper 1/3rd shaft humerus. She was posted for open reduction and internal fixation of fractured shaft of left humerus under brachial plexus nerve block in right lateral position with a pillow under the head. The patient was given left interscalene and costoclavicular (infraclavicular) brachial plexus block under ultrasonography and peripheral nerve stimulator guidance. Major problems for brachial plexus block were positioning, approach, dosage of medications and respiratory compromise. Another difficulty was the position of the patient during the surgical procedure. The surgery was successful and the patient was pain free both intra and postoperatively. Intraoperatively no sedation or anxiolysis were required Keywords: Kyphoscoliosis, Brachial plexus block, Fracture humerus, Patient position.

Costoclavicular brachial plexus block: A review of current evidence.

The brachial plexus block can be performed through several approaches. The recently described ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block at the costoclavicular space has gained popularity, presenting promising results for upper limb anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia. This block comes as an alternative to the traditional infraclavicular approach, with results suggesting improved block quality and reduced risk of complications. This article presents a narrative review of the literature and the current evidence available. A bibliographic search was conducted in the database PubMed and relevant articles published between 2015 and December 2020 to this topic were selected.

How I Do It: Costoclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

How I Do It: Costoclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular vs. axillary brachial plexus block: A randomized clinical study.

Background and Aims:Brachial plexus is in a very compact state at the costoclavicular space (CCS) when compared to the axilla, where the individual nerves are separate. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that brachial plexus block (BPB) at the CCS would result in a faster onset of block as compared to the axillary approach of BPB.Material and Methods:Fifty patients who underwent surgeries below the level of mid-arm under ultrasound-guided BPB were randomly allocated to any one of the two study groups. Thirty milliliters of local anesthetic (LA), a mixture of 10-mL 2% lidocaine with 5-μg/mL adrenaline and 20-mL 0.5% bupivacaine, was deposited around the axillary artery (25-mL LA) and the musculocutaneous nerve (5-mL LA) or at the CCS, and performance time was noted. Observer blinded to the block procedure recorded the block onset time and success rate.Results:The mean (SD) onset times were comparable between the costoclavicular (CC) and axillary (AX) groups (12.0 ± 3.2 vs. 11.2 ± 2.9 min, respectively; P = 0.367). Group CC demonstrated a reduction in performance time compared to group AX (5.3 ± 1.9 vs. 8.0 ± 3 min, respectively; P < 0.05). All blocks were successful in both groups without any complications except for one patient in group AX who required a rescue block for radial nerve.Conclusion:Costoclavicular and axillary ultrasound-guided BPBs resulted in similar onset times. However, the block performance time was longer for AX group compared to CC group. There were no intergroup differences found in terms of success rates.

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following costoclavicular versus supraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomized controlled trial

Costoclavicular brachial plexus block is emerging as a promising infraclavicular approach performed just below the clavicle. However, there are relatively little data regarding the hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP) compared to the commonly performed supraclavicular block. We hypothesized that the incidence of HDP in costoclavicular block is lower than supraclavicular block like classical infraclavicular approach. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to ultrasound-guided supraclavicular (group S) or costoclavicular (group C) block with 25 mL of local anesthetics (1:1 mixture of 1% lidocaine and 0.75% ropivacaine). The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP, defined as less than 20% of fractional change in the diaphragm thickness on ultrasound M-mode. Also, pulmonary function test and chest radiograph were assessed before and after the surgery. The incidence of HDP was 4/35 (11.4%) in the group C and 19/40 (47.5%) in the group S (risk difference, − 36%; 95% CI − 54 to − 17%; P = 0.002). The mean (SD) change of DTF values were 30.3% (44.0) and 56.9% (39.3) in the group C and S, respectively (difference in means, − 26.6%; 95% CI − 45.8 to − 7.4%; P = 0.007). The pulmonary function was more preserved in group C than in group S. The determined diagnostic cut off value of the diaphragm elevation on chest radiograph was 29 mm. Despite the very contiguous location of the two approaches around the clavicle, costoclavicular block can significantly reduce the risk of HDP compared with supraclavicular block.

A randomized comparison between ultrasound-guided costoclavicular and infraclavicular block for upper extremity surgery

Background/aim This study compared ultrasound guided costoclavicular (CC) and lateral sagittal infraclavicular (LS) brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery.Materials and methods A total of 80 patients undergoing upper extremity surgery were randomly classified into two groups: Group CC (costoclavicular (n = 40)) and Group LS (lateral sagittal infraclavicular (n = 40)). Both groups received a 25 mL containing a mixture of 1% lidocaine and 0.25% bupivacaine. A blinded observer recorded the block onset time and decided which patients who were admitted to the operation room needed general anesthesia or rescue block or without any iv. narcotics for the surgical procedure.ResultsThe sensorimotor onset time was found to be faster in the CC group [(15.95 2.97) min] compared to the LS group [(17.72 4.15)min]. There was a statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of sensorimotor onset time (p = 0.031). There was no difference between two groups in terms of the block performance times and post-block motor block dissolution times. ConclusionThe CC approach provides faster onset of sensorimotor blockade than LS approach when the 4 major terminal nerves of the brachial plexus were evaluated.

Comparison of the lateral sagittal and costoclavicular approaches for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in pediatric patients: a prospective randomized study

BackgroundThe lateral sagittal brachial plexus block is the most used method for pediatric upper extremity surgery, whereas the applications of costoclavicular brachial plexus block are limited. This study aimed to compare the lateral sagittal and costoclavicular approaches for the ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in pediatric patients. MethodsSixty pediatric patients aged 5...15 years undergoing hand or forearm surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Group LS (n.ß=.ß30) received ultrasound-guided lateral sagittal block, and Group CC (n.ß=.ß30) received ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block. The block performing time, needling time, imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores were evaluated. ResultsThe needling time (82.90.ß...ß28.17 seconds vs. 64.77.ß...ß28.11 seconds respectively, p.ß=.ß0.004) and total block performance time (109.53 .. 29.75 seconds vs. 89.70 .. 29.98 seconds respectively, p.ß=.ß0.005) were significantly longer in Group LS than in Group CC. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores (p > 0.05). ConclusionsCostoclavicular and lateral sagittal brachial plexus blocks resulted in similar anesthetics effects. Moreover, the costoclavicular method can be a better alternative to lateral sagittal as it has a shorter block performance time.

Blood flow changes in the forearm arteries after ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus blocks: a prospective observational study

BackgroundAn increase in blood flow in the forearm arteries has been reported after brachial plexus block (BPB). However, few studies have quantitatively analysed the blood flow of the forearm arteries after BPB or have studied only partial haemodynamic parameters. The purpose of the present study was to comprehensively assess blood flow changes in the distal radial artery (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) after BPB performed via a new costoclavicular space (CCS) approach using colour Doppler ultrasound.MethodsThirty patients who underwent amputated finger replantation and received ultrasound-guided costoclavicular BPB were included in the study. The haemodynamic parameters of the RA and UA were recorded before the block and 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min after the block using colour Doppler ultrasound to determine the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (Vmean), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and area. The volumetric flow rate (VFR) was calculated using the formula Q = area×Vmean. The aforementioned parameters were compared not only before and after the BPB but also between the RA and UA.ResultsCompared with those of the respective baselines, there was a significant increase in the PSV, EDV, Vmean, area, and VFR and a significant decrease in the PI and RI of the RA and UA 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min post-block. The increase 30 min post-block in EDV (258.68 % in the RA, 279.63 % in the UA) was the most notable, followed by that in the Vmean (183.36 % in the RA, 235.24 % in the UA), and the PSV (139.11 % in the RA, 153.15 % in the UA) changed minimally. The Vmean and VFR of the RA were significantly greater than those of the UA before the BPB; however, there was no significant difference in the VFR between the RA and UA after the BPB.ConclusionsA costoclavicular BPB can increase blood flow in the forearm arteries. The RA had a higher volumetric flow rate than the UA before the BPB; however, the potential blood supply capacity of the UA was similar to that of the RA after a BPB.Trial registrationThis study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx, clinical trial number: ChiCTR 1900023796, date of registration: June 12, 2019)

High-definition ultrasound imaging defines the paraneural sheath and fascial compartments surrounding the cords of the brachial plexus at the costoclavicular space and lateral infraclavicular fossa

Background and objectivesThe paraneural sheath is a multilayered network of collagen fibers that surround the brachial plexus. Currently, there are no sonographic data on the paraneural sheath of the brachial...

Critical structures in the needle path of the costoclavicular brachial plexus block: a cadaver study.

The costoclavicular block is a relatively novel alternative to the infraclavicular block. We aimed to determine the anatomical structures vulnerable to needle injury during a costoclavicular block. The needle path consistent with a costoclavicular block approach was performed bilaterally on four lightly embalmed cadavers using ultrasound guidance. Careful dissection was performed with 18-G Tuohy needles in situ and photographs were taken. The needle penetrated the deltoid in six of eight cases and the pectoralis minor in three of eight cases. The subclavius tendon or its fascia were punctured in two of eight cases. The lateral cord was in contact with the needle in six procedures and punctured in three. The posterior cord was contacted in two instances, and the medial cord in one. In a single dissection, the needle was in contact with the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. The needle was close to the medial brachial cutaneousnerve in one case andclose to the pectoral nerves in two of eight cases. While the cephalic vein and thoracoacromial artery were consistently nearby, there were no cases of vascular puncture. We found that the needle path may be close to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, medial brachial cutaneous nerve, and pectoral nerves but did not traverse any critical structures aside from the lateral cord. This suggests relative safety when compared with other approaches to the infraclavicular brachial plexus. Structures dans la trajectoire de l'aiguille du bloc de plexus brachial costoclaviculaire : une étude cadavérique.

Comparison of ultrasound guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block versus supraclavicular brachial plexus block for forearm and hand surgeries for surgical anaesthesia: A prospective randomised clinical study

Successful brachial plexus blocks (BPB) rely on proper techniques of nerve localization, needle placement and local anesthetic injection. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of costoclavicular brachial plexus block versus supraclavicular brachial plexus block for forearm and hand surgeries for providing surgical anesthesia by evaluating the time of onset of sensory and motor blockade, nerve sparing effect and duration of analgesia in both the groups.Fifty patients with ASA physical status 1, 2 and 3 undergoing forearm and hand surgeries were recruited. Fifty patients in Group C (n=25) and Group S (n=25) received 20 ml 0.5% ropivacaine by ultrasound guided costoclavicular and supraclavicular BPB respectively. The primary outcome measure was the time of onset of sensory and motor blockade. Secondary outcome measures included nerve sparing effect and duration of analgesia. Statistical analysis was done with student-t test, unpaired t-test and Fisher exact test. In our study, onset of sensory blockade (8.20 ± 0.58 mins vs 9.72 ± 0.84 mins) and onset of motor blockade (11.72 ± 0.79 mins vs 12.56 ± 0.92 mins) were significantly shorter in group C when compared to group S. We did not find any nerve sparing effect in both the groups unlike other studies. Duration of analgesia (13.14±0.91 hours vs 12.84±0.93 hours) and requirement of rescue analgesics were comparable in both the groups. : We conclude that ultrasound guided costoclavicular BPB has shorter procedural time and rapid onset of sensory-motor blockade compared to supraclavicular BPB.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided costoclavicular and supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper extremity surgery: a propensity score matched retrospective cohort study.

Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular (CC) brachial plexus blocks (BPBs) are a novel approach for nerve block in upper extremity surgery. However, comparisons between CC-BPB and conventional supraclavicular (SC) BPB have not clearly delineated the benefits or costs of either method. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients receiving BPB due to upper extremity fracture between June 2019 and May 2020. Data were collected from the medical records of patients, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, side of block, and operative location. Enrolled patients were matched in a 1:2 ratio using propensity score matching models. The primary outcomes in this study were the proportions of complete sensory and motor blocks and the secondary outcomes included other block-related outcomes, pain-related outcomes, and side effects or complications. The study enrolled 235 patients with upper extremity fracture and there was a significant difference in the side of block when comparing ultrasound-guided CC-BPB and SC-BPB. After propensity score matching, 62 patients receiving ultrasound-guided CC-BPB and 124 receiving ultrasound-guided SC-BPB were enrolled. The proportions of complete sensory and motor block at each interval after injection showed no significant difference when the groups were compared. Although CC-BPB involved a longer procedure time than SC-BPB (6.2±0.7 vs. 5.1±0.5 min, P<0.001), it provided a longer duration of nerve block (duration of sensory block: 468.2±103.5 vs. 396.5±83.4 min, P<0.001; duration of motor block: 554.6±99.5 vs. 469.7±96.0 min, P<0.001). Patients with Horner's syndrome were also more prevalent in the SC-BCB group (n=11) (8.9%) in comparison to one patient (1.6%) in CC-BPB group (P=0.04). CC-BPB is a safe and efficient approach for upper extremity surgery.