Plexus Anesthesia Research Articles

The anatomical structure of the brachial plexus of the guinea pig (cavia porcellus).

In this study, we described the anatomy of the brachial plexus of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). The description of the brachial plexus anatomy can contribute to the knowledge of the neuroanatomy of small mammals. Furthermore, it is a source of information for clinicians performing brachial plexus anesthesia in exotic animals such as the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Caviaporcellus cadavers were fixed in a 10% formalin solution. The examination of 20 specimens of this species allowed us to assess the extent of the brachial plexus, the nerves exiting it, and the extent of their innervation. Most commonly, it consisted of C6-T1 but could also include branches of C5 and T2. The plexus consisted of three trunks and four cords. We distinguished 15 nerves: n. subclavius, n. brachiocephalicus, n. dorsalis scapulae, n. suprascapularis, nn. subscapulares, n. axillaris, n. musculocutaneus, nn. pectorales craniales, n. radialis, n. medianus, n. ulnaris, n. thoracodorsalis, n. thoracicus lateralis, n. thoracicus longus, and nn. pectorales caudales. We elaborated the innervation range of all identified nerves and updated data from existing papers. We presented the detailed anatomy of the n. musculocutaneous, brachiocephalicus, and pectoral nerves, which were not distinguished in previous papers or for which the structure was insufficiently known, and compared our results with existing work. Based on the innervation and the extent of the plexus, it can be confirmed thatCavia porcellushas a brachial plexus with a structure that is characteristic of rodents.

Transient Horner's syndrome in horses following cervical plexus local anesthesia.

To report the development of transient Horner's syndrome in horses following local anesthesia of the cervical plexus. A total of 37 horses. Observational retrospective short case series. Medical records of cases undergoing ultrasound-guided cervical plexus anesthesia for standing prosthetic laryngoplasty at a single referral institution were evaluated (2019-2020). Five of 37 horses (14%) developed transient signs of Horner's syndrome postoperatively. Obvious clinical signs began 2 to 5 h following local anesthesia and persisted for two to 4 h. Profuse unilateral sweating of the head and upper neck was the most apparent clinical sign. Transient clinical signs of Horner's syndrome were seen following unilateral local anesthesia of the cervical plexus. Long-term adverse sequelae were not observed.

Comparison of distal radius fracture plating surgery under wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique and balanced anesthesia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundDistal radius fractures (DRF) are frequently treated with internal fixation under general anesthesia or a brachial plexus block. Recently, the wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been suggested as a method that results in higher patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of DRF plating surgery under both the WALANT and balanced anesthesia (BA).MethodsNinety-three patients with DRFs who underwent open reduction and plating were included. Regarding the anesthetic technique, 38 patients received WALANT, while 55 received BA, comprised of multimodal pain control brachial plexus anesthesia with light general support. The patient's overall satisfaction in both groups and the intraoperative numerical rating scale of pain and anxiety (0–10) in the WALANT group were recorded. The peri-operative radiographic parameters were measured; the clinical outcomes, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist mobility, and grip strength, were recorded in up to 1-year follow-up. Results presented with a mean difference and 95% confidence intervals and mean ± standard deviation.ResultsThe mean age of patients in the WALANT group was higher than in the BA group (63 ± 17 vs. 54 ± 17, P = 0.005), and there were fewer intra-articular DRF fractures in the WALANT group than in the BA group (AO type A/B/C: 30/3/5 vs. 26/10/19, P = 0.009). The reduction and plating quality were similar in both groups. The clinical outcomes at follow-up were comparable between the two groups, except the WALANT group had worse postoperative 3-month pronation (88% vs. 96%; − 8.0% [ − 15.7 to − 0.2%]) and 6-month pronation (92% vs. 100%; − 9.1% [ − 17.0 to − 1.2%]), and better postoperative 1-year flexion (94% vs. 82%; 12.0% [2.0–22.1%]). The overall satisfaction was comparable in the WALANT and BA groups (8.7 vs. 8.5; 0.2 [ − 0.8 to 1.2]). Patients in the WALANT group reported an injection pain scale of 1.7 ± 2.0, an intraoperative pain scale of 1.2 ± 1.9, and an intraoperative anxiety scale of 2.3 ± 2.8.ConclusionThe reduction quality, functional outcomes, and overall satisfaction were comparable between the WALANT and BA groups. With meticulous preoperative planning, the WALANT technique could be an alternative for DRF plating surgery in selected patients.Trial registration This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUHIRB-E(I)-20210201).

Lower jaw-to-forepaw rapid and delayed reorganization in the rat forepaw barrel subfield in primary somatosensory cortex.

We used the forepaw barrel subfield (FBS), that normally receives input from the forepaw skin surface, in rat primary somatosensory cortex as a model system to study rapid and delayed lower jaw-to-forepaw cortical reorganization. Single and multi-unit recording from FBS neurons was used to examine the FBS for the presence of "new" lower jaw input following deafferentations that include forelimb amputation, brachial plexus nerve cut, and brachial plexus anesthesia. The major findings are as follows: (1) immediately following forelimb deafferentations, new input from the lower jaw becomes expressed in the anterior FBS; (2) 7-27weeks after forelimb amputation, new input from the lower jaw is expressed in both anterior and posterior FBS; (3) evoked response latencies recorded in the deafferented FBS following electrical stimulation of the lower jaw skin surface are significantly longer in both rapid and delayed deafferents compared to control latencies for input from the forepaw to reach the FBS or for input from lower jaw to reach the LJBSF; (4) the longer latencies suggest that an additional relay site is imposed along the somatosensory pathway for lower jaw input to access the deafferented FBS. We conclude that different sources of input and different mechanisms underlie rapid and delayed reorganization in the FBS and suggest that these findings are relevant, as an initial step, for developing a rodent animal model to investigate phantom limb phenomena.

A Systematic Review on Long-Term Postsurgical Pain Outcomes; What Is the Effect of Upper Extremity Regional Anesthesia?

Chronic pain is a recognized complication of surgery, and it has been hypothesized that regional anesthesia might reduce the risk of development of chronic pain after upper extremity surgery. A systematic literature review was performed to assess whether in patients undergoing elective upper extremity surgery (P), regional anesthesia (I), compared to general anesthesia (C), would result in lower long-term (>3 months) postoperative pain intensity (O). We included randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our primary outcome was numerical rating score or visual analogue scale for pain, at >3 months postoperatively. The Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collections, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases were searched for all reports assessing pain at >3 months after upper extremity surgery under general versus regional anesthesia. Secondary outcomes were: opioid prescription filling, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) incidence, the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and scores on the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Quality (or certainty) of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) and nonrandomized trials (ROBINS-I). This review included 14 studies, comprising 7 RCTs and 7 nonrandomized studies. Six of the 7 studies (4 RCTs, N = 273; 2 nonrandomized studies, N = 305) using a pain score, our primary outcome, report comparable long-term postoperative pain scores after regional and general anesthesia. Six of the 7 studies using our secondary outcomes report comparable long-term outcomes in terms of opioid prescription filling (2 retrospective cohort studies [RCSs], N = 89,256), CRPS incidence (1 RCT, N = 301), MWS (1 RCT and 1 RCS, N = 215), and DASH score (1 RCT, N = 36). Comparable outcomes were reported in all 7 RCTs (N = 778) and in 5 of the 7 nonrandomized studies, comprising 5 RCSs (N = 89,608). Two prospective observational studies (POSTs), comprising 279 patients, report a statistically significant difference in outcomes, with less pain and better DASH scores after brachial plexus anesthesia. All 14 studies provided moderate to very low certainty evidence, and there was a serious risk of bias due to confounding bias in 5 of the 7 nonrandomized studies (N = 631). The results of this review indicate that upper extremity regional anesthesia, compared to general anesthesia, is unlikely to change pain intensity at >3 months postoperatively.

Incidence of Chronic Postsurgical Pain after Upper Extremity Surgery and its Correlation with Preoperative Pain.

Patients scheduled for elective upper extremity surgery were included, and numeric rating scale (NRS) score for pain was obtained preoperatively and at 5 years postoperatively. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain definition, CPSP was defined as an increase in NRS compared with preoperatively. A total 168 patients were contacted at 5 years postoperatively. Incidence of CPSP was 22%, and 35% had an NRS score of 4 or more. The number of patients with an NRS score of 0 and with an NRS score of 4 or more preoperatively was higher in the no-CPSP group, with P values of 0.019 and 0.008, respectively. Of the patients with no preoperative pain, 34% developed CPSP. Regional anesthesia was associated with a lower CPSP incidence (P = 0.001) and was more frequently applied in surgery on bony structures and in patients with a preoperative NRS score of 4 or more. The incidence CPSP was 22%. Patients with no pain or an NRS score of 4 or more preoperatively were less likely to develop CPSP, but individual susceptibility to pain and success of the surgery may be of influence. One-third of the patients with no preoperative pain developed CPSP. More studies are needed to reveal the exact relation between brachial plexus anesthesia and CPSP.

Cross‐finger flap as ultima ratio for the reconstruction of defects of the finger flexor sides

Cross‐finger flap as ultima ratio for the reconstruction of defects of the finger flexor sides

Combined acupuncture-medicine anesthesia used in thyroid surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Combined acupuncture-medicine anesthesia (CAMA) is extensively used in thyroid surgery in China. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of CAMA. We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database, WanFang database, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant literature. The term of literature was published before April 18, 2020, and there were no restrictions on publication language, region, or publication year. The inclusion criteria included a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of acupuncture combined with cervical plexus anesthesia. We used RevMan5.3 software for data analysis. If the chi-square test showed no significant heterogeneity (P > .10, I2 < 50%), we used the fixed-effect model to calculate risk ratio (RR) and mean difference. Otherwise, the random-effects model was used. Overall, 18 RCTs involving 1211 patients were included in the study. The anesthesia significant rate (ASR) in the transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) plus cervical plexus block anesthesia (CPBA) and electroacupuncture (EA) plus CPBA groups was significantly higher compared with the CPBA group (TEAS + CPBA: P < .001; EA + CPBA: P < .001). The pooled effect values of the intraoperative heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly lower in both the TEAS + CPBA and EA + CPBA groups relative to the control group (HR: P = .05, P < .001; the MAP: P = .002, P < .001; respectively). Moreover, the postoperative adverse reaction was markedly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (RR = 0.30, P < .001), and there was no heterogeneity between the two groups (P = .71, I2 = 0%). Combined acupuncture-medicine anesthesia significantly increases the anesthesia significance rate, reduces the intraoperative heart rate, and blood pressure, and reduces the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions. However, more high-quality future studies should be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined anesthesia further.

Bi-columnar locking plate fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of low transcondylar fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly

BackgroundLow transcondylar fractures (LTFs) of the distal humerus are relatively uncommon elbow injuries in elderly patients after low-energy injuries. Although there is still debate regarding the method of fixation, several surgeons prefer bi-columnar fixation using pre-contoured locking plates. However, posterior approaches, which are usually used to perform the above procedure, have disadvantages, such as ulnar nerve neuropathy, damage to the extensor mechanism, and the need for general anesthesia. To solve these problems, the authors designed a combined medial and lateral approach. The purpose of this study was to present the outcomes of bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of LTFs of the distal humerus in the elderly. MethodsA total of 46 patients diagnosed with distal humeral fractures between May 2017 and April 2020 were included. Thirty patients were excluded, and 16 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation by the medial and lateral approach were selected. We carried out all the surgeries under brachial plexus anesthesia. The clinical outcomes were assessed based on the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, and range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint. Standardized radiographs were obtained at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and at the last follow-up visit to evaluate for bony union and to check for complications, such as ulnar nerve neuropathy and heterotopic ossification.ResultsThe mean age was 81 years (range, 65–91 years). Bony union was achieved in 15 out of 16 patients. The mean VAS score was 2.1 (range, 0–6), the mean MEPS was 84.4 (range, 70–100), and the mean DASH score was 20.6 (range, 9.5–33.6). There were three complications including reduction loss, skin necrosis, and stiffness of the elbow. There was no ulnar nerve neuropathy. The post-operative ROM was 100 degrees or higher in all cases, which did not cause any impairment in daily life.ConclusionLTFs of the distal humerus in the elderly can yield satisfactory results with bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach.

Peripheral Nerve Injury After Upper-Extremity Surgery Performed Under Regional Anesthesia: A Systematic Review

PurposePeripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a known adverse event following upper-limb surgery performed under brachial plexus regional anesthesia (RA). When PNI is noted after surgery, patients and providers often have questions about which factors might have contributed to this complication. This systematic review evaluates the literature on hand and shoulder surgeries performed under ultrasound-guided, plexus RA to identify factors potentially associated with PNI, including the surgery location and block type. We hypothesized that shoulder surgery might be associated with an increased risk of PNI compared to hand surgery.MethodsA systematic review of the relevant literature was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Only prospective studies on the use of ultrasound-guided, preoperative, brachial plexus RA for hand or shoulder surgery on adult patients were included. Study groups were categorized according to surgery location and block type and compared across a number of factors via univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 3,037 abstracts were screened; 192 full-text articles were independently reviewed by 2 of the authors; and 53 studies were included in the systematic review analysis. Following hand surgery, PNI was reported at an average rate of 1.35% ± 3.21% across 836 subjects in 40 study groups; after shoulder surgery, the average rate was 0.50% ± 1.57% across 3,383 subjects in 15 study groups. There was no statistically significant correlation between the incidence of PNI and surgery location (P =.70) or any of the most common approaches for brachial plexus anesthesia in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThis systematic review of over 50 articles on upper-limb surgery performed under RA shows no association between the incidence of PNI and the location of surgery or type of brachial plexus block.Type of study/level of evidenceDiagnostic II.

Evaluation on the Curative Effect of Brachial Plexus Anesthesia after Joint Loosening and Small Needle Knife Release in Treatment of Periarthritis of Shoulder

Evaluation on the Curative Effect of Brachial Plexus Anesthesia after Joint Loosening and Small Needle Knife Release in Treatment of Periarthritis of Shoulder

Observation on the clinical effect of shoulder manipulative release combined with individualized treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis under brachial plexus anesthesia.

article: Observation on the clinical effect of shoulder manipulative release combined with individualized treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis under brachial plexus anesthesia - Minerva Medica 2021 Sep 20 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Comparison of Ropivacaine and Levobupivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks-A Double Blinded Randomized Control Study.

Brachial plexus anaesthesia has been an indispensable tool in the anaesthesiologist's armamentarium. Clinical studies have shown that levobupivacaine and ropivacaine have fewer adverse effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous system making them more advantageous in regional anaesthesia techniques. Less information is available regarding their comparable clinical data. Only a few studies have compared levobupivacaine and ropivacaine for brachial plexus blocks; hence, this study was aimed to compare the analgesic effectiveness and nerve block characteristics of ropivacaine and levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks in upper limb surgeries. Patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I or II coming for elective upper limb surgeries were included in the study. Total numbers of 62 patients were randomly allocated into two groups, group A and group B. Group A received 25mL of 0.75% ropivacaine, and group B received 25mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine. The duration of analgesia, onset of block, duration of sensory, and motor blockade were studied and compared. The mean duration of analgesia in group ropivacaine was 8.33 hours and in group levobupivacaine was 10.23 hours which was statistically significant. Ropivacaine had a faster sensory onset compared to levobupivacaine (5.22 vs. 6.88 minutes). The duration of sensory and motor blockade was longer with levobupivacaine than ropivacaine (sensory-8.64 vs. 10.29 hours, motor-8.32 vs. 9.8 hours). Levobupivacaine had longer duration of analgesia. The sensory and motor blockade was also longer with levobupivacaine.

Improvement of Superficial and Deep Cutaneous Microcirculation Due to Axillary Plexus Anesthesia Impaired by Smoking.

Background: Understanding microvascular physiology is key to any reconstructive procedure. Current concepts in anesthesia increasingly involve regional peripheral nerve blockade during microvascular reconstructive procedures. Whereas favorable effects on perfusion due to these techniques have been reported earlier, little evidence focusing on its effects in most peripheral vascular compartments is available. Methods: A total of 30 patients who were to receive axillary plexus blockade (APB) were included. Microcirculatory assessment of the dependent extremity was conducted utilizing combined laser-Doppler flowmetry and white light spectroscopy. Two probes (1–2 and 7–8 mm penetration depth) were used to assess changes in microcirculation. Results: APB resulted in significant changes to both superficial and deep cutaneous microcirculation. Changes in blood flow were most prominent in superficial layers with a maximum increase of +617% compared to baseline values. Significantly lower values of +292% were observed in deep measurements. Consecutively, a significant enhancement in tissue oxygen saturation was observed. Further analysis revealed a significant impairment of perfusion characteristics due to reported nicotine consumption (max Bf: +936% vs. +176%). Conclusion: Cutaneous microcirculation is strongly affected by APB, with significant differences regarding microvascular anatomy and vascular physiology. Smoking significantly diminishes the elicited improvements in perfusion. Our findings could influence reconstructive strategies as well as dependent perioperative anesthetic management.

Comparative Anesthesia Effect of Brachial Plexus Block Based on Smart Electronic Medical Ultrasound-Guided Positioning and Traditional Anatomical Positioning.

With the intensification of population aging, the improvement of visualization technology, and the concept of accelerated rehabilitation surgery, the anesthesia method of upper extremity surgery is gradually changing. However, these methods are often caused by anatomical variations and often have low block success rates and patient satisfaction. The neuroanatomical position should be accurately located so that the puncture needle is right next to the nerve bundle or in the nerve sheath. This is very important for implementing accurate brachial plexus anesthesia. This article uses ultrasound-guided positioning technology and traditional anatomical positioning technology for brachial plexus block treatment, aiming to explore the anesthesia effect of brachial plexus block with different techniques. This article selects 120 patients undergoing brachial plexus block surgery for forearm or hand surgery and divides these 120 patients into 6 groups with 20 people in each group. The first 3 groups were treated with brachial plexus block using ultrasound-guided positioning technology. The latter 3 groups were treated with brachial plexus block using traditional anatomical positioning technology. Experiments proved that during anesthesia, compared with the ultrasound group, the heart rate of the traditional anatomy group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the average arterial pressure of the six groups of patients at each time point had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). This shows that whether it is ultrasound-guided positioning technology or traditional anatomical positioning technology, it has no effect on the average arterial pressure of the patient at each time point. In addition to intuitive and accurate viewing of needle and nerve contact, ultrasound real-time guidance allows intuitive viewing of anesthesia. This is a special advantage of nerve block under ultrasound guidance.

Anatomical variations detected during ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block and clinical implications

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the anatomic variations detected during ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block (US-ISB) and present their clinical implications. Materials and Methods: After the ethical approval for the study was obtained from the local ethics committee, the files and US records of patients who underwent US-ISB for anesthesia of the shoulder surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Anatomical variations which were considered to affect the block technique were detected in 13 (11.8%) of 110 patients. C5 cervical root pierced the anterior scalene muscle (ASM) in 4.5%, and ventral rami of C5 and/or C6 were located in ASM in 3.6% of patients. There was a muscle bridge between C5 to C6 and C5 to C7 roots in 1.8% of the patients. The brachial plexus was located medial to ASM and missing from interscalene groove in 1.8% of patients. In one case (C5 root was located in ASM), US-ISB resulted in incomplete brachial plexus anesthesia, and so general anesthesia (GA) was performed. Conclusion: Some of the brachial plexus variations in the interscalene area may be associated with further needle manipulation/ redirection and block failure. We consider that prospective studies including more populations are needed to elucidate the effects of these variations on block parameters.

The Utilization of Regional Anesthesia Among Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study.

The use of regional anesthesia (RA) in pediatric patients remains understudied, although evidence suggests benefits over general anesthesia. We sought to identify factors associated with RA use in patients under the age of 21years undergoing ambulatory orthopedic surgery. Patients under the age of 21 who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair or reconstruction, knee arthroscopy (KA), or shoulder arthroscopy (SA) were identified from the NY Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database (2005-2015). Frequencies of RA use (defined by femoral nerve block, spinal, epidural, caudal, or brachial plexus anesthesia) were calculated. Multivariable regression analysis identified patient- and healthcare system-related factors associated with the use of RA. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. We identified 87,273 patients who underwent the procedures of interest (ACL n = 28,226; SA n = 18,155; KA n = 40,892). In our primary analysis, 14.4% (n = 1404) had RA as their primary anesthetic; this percentage increased for patients who had ACL or KA. When adjusting for covariates, Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.78; CI 0.65-0.94) and Medicaid insurance (OR 0.75; CI 0.65-0.87) were associated with decreased odds for the provision of RA. Further, we identified increasing age (OR 1.10; CI 1.08-1.11), ACL versus SA (OR 1.91; CI 1.74-2.10), and sports injuries (OR 1.20; CI 1.10-1.31) as factors associated with increased odds of RA use. In this analysis, RA was used in a minority of patients under the age of 21 undergoing ambulatory orthopedic surgery. Older age was associated with increased use while Hispanic ethnicity and lower socioeconomic status were associated with lower use.

Arthroscopic Management of Glenoid and Greater Tuberosity Bipolar Fractures.

ObjectiveTo report the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopically assisted surgery for combination of glenoid and greater tuberosity fractures after traumatic shoulder dislocation.MethodsFrom December 2013 to December 2018, patients with concomitant fracture of the greater tuberosity and glenoid who underwent arthroscopically assisted surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen patients were included. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans with 3D reconstruction were performed to evaluate the fracture configuration and associated fractures. All patients underwent arthroscopically assisted surgery under general anesthesia with brachial plexus anesthesia in the lateral position. Under the arthroscopic approach, a comprehensive inspection of the joints was firstly conducted to examine the injury of bones and other tissues. With arthroscopy support, closed reduction and internal fixation of both fractures were performed with suture anchors, with or without additional cannulated screws. At the same time, other injuries were also repaired under the arthroscope. Patients were followed up (6 weeks，8 weeks，3 months，6 months，1 year after surgery) regularly for at least 1 year. At the follow‐up, clinical outcomes (Constant score, ASES score, range of motion, and VAS score) and radiological outcomes were analyzed.ResultsOf the 15 patients, there are seven cases of men, eight cases of women; aged 22–66 years, with an average age of 48 years; left shoulder for five cases, 10 cases of the right shoulder. The injury mechanisms were: a simple fall (n = 9), an epileptic seizure (n = 1), a high fall injury (n = 2), and a traffic accident (n = 3). Of the 15 cases of glenoid fracture, 11 cases were type Ia and four cases were type II according to the Ideberg Classification System. The mean size of the glenoid fracture fragment was 28.4% (range, 8.7%–47.2%). According to the Mutch classification system, the fractures of the greater tuberosity were divided into: five cases of avulsion, one case of compression, and nine cases of split. Average time of follow‐up was 38.2 months (range, 12–70 months), and one case was lost to follow‐up. With fractures healing well, almost all patients had a good joint function. At the final follow‐up, mean anterior flexion was 157°; mean external rotation was 40°; mean internal rotation was T11 level; the mean Constant–Murley score was 94.6 points (range, 70–100 points); the mean ASES score was 94.6 points (range, 79–100 points); and the mean VAS score was 0.4 points (range, 0–2 points). No recurrent instability or re‐dislocation occurred. No patient had revision surgery.ConclusionArthroscopic management of glenoid and greater tuberosity bipolar fractures was useful and effective with minimal injury, and it achieved satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes at a mean follow‐up time of more than 3 years.

Outpatient treatment of acute injuries of upper extremities with axillary plexus anesthesia in the emergency department-Is that possible without continuous anesthesia attendance?

The incorporation into the routine operating procedure of patients with small but acute hand and forearm injuries requiring surgery who present in the emergency admission department, represents a challenge due to limited resources. The prompt treatment in the emergency admission department represents an alternative. This article retrospectively reports the authors' experiences with a treatment algorithm in which emergency patients were treated by ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blocks (ABPB) and surgery carried out in the emergency department without further anesthesia attendance. Patients were preselected by the surgeon if they were suitable for astandardized treatment without anesthesia attendance during surgery. If there were no anesthesiological or surgical contraindications patients received an ABPB in the holding area of the operating room (OR) under standard monitoring. Blocks were performed as a multi-injection, ultrasound-guided technique which is anatomically described in detail. Patients >60 kg received atotal volume of 30 ml of amixture of 10 ml 1% ropivacaine (100 mg) and 20 ml 2% prilocaine (400 mg). Patients <60 kg received the same mixture with areduced volume of 25 ml corresponding to 82.5 mg ropivacaine and 332.5 mg prilocaine. After controlling for block success patients were admitted to the emergency department and the surgical procedure was carried out under supervision by the surgeon without further anesthesia attendance. At discharge patients were explicitly instructed that in the case of any complications or acontinuation of the block for more than 24 h they should contact the emergency department. Between January 2013 and November 2017 a total of 566 patients (46.4years, range 11-88 years, 174.9 cm, range 140-211cm, 80.8 kg, range 42-178kg, ASA 1/2/3, 190/338/38, respectively) were treated according to astandardized protocol. The ABPBs were performed by 74anesthetists. In 5% of the patients the initial block was incomplete and rescue blocks were performed with a maximum of 2‑3ml 1% prilocaine per corresponding nerve. After completion the block was ensured and all patients underwent surgery without further analgesics or local anesthetic infiltration by the surgeon. Complications related to the ABPB and readmissions were not observed. It could be demonstrated that minor surgery could be carried out safely and effectively with a defined algorithm using ABPB in selected patients outside the OR without permanent anesthesia attendance: however, indispensable prerequisites for such procedures are careful patient selection, patient compliance, the safe and effective performance of the ABPB and reliable agreement with the surgeon.

Therapeutic observation of arthrolysis under brachial plexus anesthesia for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

To objectively evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacies of arthrolysis under brachial plexus anesthesia in treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS). One hundred patients diagnosed with ACS were divided into two groups using the random number method. The two groups both received same active rehabilitation exercises. Besides, 55 cases in the treatment group were given one session of arthrolysis under brachial plexus anesthesia, and 45 cases in the control group were given tuina treatment. Changes in the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Melle score and pressure pain index were observed 1 month and 3 months after treatment. The therapeutic efficacies were also compared. The total effective rate was 96.4% at the 1-month follow-up and 96.4% at the 3-month follow-up in the treatment group. The total effective rate was 33.3% at the 1-month follow-up and 28.9% at the 3-month follow-up in the control group. There were significant differences between the two groups comparing the total effective rate at the two time points (both Ps 0.05). Based on the active rehabilitation exercises, one session of arthrolysis under brachial plexus anesthesia can release the adhesion and restore the range of motion and function of shoulder joint in ACS patients. It is superior to rehabilitation exercises plus tuina treatment comparing both short-term and long-term efficacies.