Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Research Articles

Direct Hemi-Hypoglossal Nerve and Hypoglossal Nerve for Suprascapular Nerve/Proximal Brachial Plexus Neurotization: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

Introduction Partial restoration of shoulder function is important in upper brachial plexus lesions, and the suprascapular nerve is often the target for such neurotization procedures. Although there is an extensive history of peripheral nerve surgeons using the hypoglossal nerve for various local nerve transfers, some have reported using this nerve as a donor for upper brachial plexus grafting procedures. We discuss our anatomical findings for the use of a direct hypoglossal to suprascapular nerve transfer. Materials and methods Fifteen adult cadavers (30 separate sides) were dissected to reveal the hypoglossal nerve in the neck and the supraclavicular brachial plexus in the supraclavicular region. On 15 sides, the hypoglossal nerve was dissected anteriorly to the midline, cut, and transposed toward the supraclavicular region in half of the dissections. On the remaining sides, the nerve was hemisected longitudinally into two equal parts, and the cut inferior portion also swung inferiorly toward the supraclavicular region. The cut end of the hypoglossal nerve was brought toward the proximal suprascapular nerve, the fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) cervicalnerve roots, and the upper trunk. Measurements included the length and diameter of the cervical portion of the hypoglossal nerve and the diameter of the suprascapular nerve. Results The mean diameter and length of the hypoglossal nerve were 2.1 millimeters (mm)and 72.8 mm, respectively. The mean diameter of the proximal suprascapular nerve was 2.7 mm. Successful, tension-free transposition to the C5 and C6 nerve roots was achieved on all sides. The average extra length of the hypoglossal nerve for a C5 root transposition was 8 mm and 5.2mm for a C6 root transposition. The distal hypoglossal nerve reached the upper trunk on all but two sides (6.7%). The distal hypoglossal nerve reached the proximal suprascapular nerve on all but four sides (13.3%). Of the 87% of sides (n=26) where the hypoglossal nerve reached the proximal suprascapular nerve, 58% of these (n=15) required some manipulation of the suprascapular nerve from its origin at the upper trunk.This technique resulted in a mean additional length to the suprascapular nerve of 35 mm. No differences were found between the completely cut hypoglossal nerves and hemisected nerves in regard to working length. Conclusions To our knowledge, the use of the hypoglossal nerve as a transpositional graft for direct suprascapular nerve neurotization has not been previously described. Based on our study, we propose that the hypoglossal nerve, or hemi-hypoglossal nerve, should be considered as a donor nerve to restore suprascapular nerve function in the majority of patients. Additionally, the hypoglossal nerve may be transferred to the C5 and C6 roots and upper trunk of the brachial plexus for direct neurotization.

Clonidine and dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block during upper limb surgery: A comparative study

Background: Various adjuvants are added to local anesthetics to increase the duration of block during supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP) block. Dexmedetomidine, a newer and potent alpha2 receptor agonist, has 10 times higher selectivity than clonidine. Many studies have already evaluated the efficacy of clonidine and dexmedetomidine as perineural adjuvants and have reported wide variations in the prolongation of post-operative analgesia. Some studies have reported the absence of adjuvant’s effect while a few have not focused all the facets of block characteristics. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of clonidine and dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to ropivacaine during SCBP block for the upper limb surgeries, in terms of duration of post-operative analgesia (Primary outcome). The onset and duration of sensory and motor block, and adverse effects, if any, were observed. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients, aged between 40 and 60 years of either sex, undergoing upper limb surgery, were randomly allocated in to three groups to receive either 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine and 2 ml saline (Group R, n=30) or 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine plus clonidine (1 mcg/kg) plus saline to make a total volume 32 ml (Group C, n=30), or 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg) plus saline to make a total volume 32 ml (Group D, n=30). The duration of post-operative analgesia, other block characteristics, and adverse events, if any, was assessed. Results: Mean duration of post-operative analgesia was found to be considerably higher in dexmedetomidine group compared with clonidine group and ropivacaine alone group (664.13 vs. 551.77 vs. 465.47, respectively, P<0.001). The duration of sensory and motor block was considerably longer in dexmedetomidine group compared with clonidine and control group. Adverse events were comparable among the three groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine appears to be a better alternative to clonidine as adjuvant in terms of prolonged post-operative analgesia and comparable adverse events.

DEXMEDETOMIDINE VS DEXAMETHASONE AS AN ADJUVANT TO 0.5% ROPIVACAINE IN ULTRASOUND GUIDED SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK

Background And Aims: Both dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone have individually been shown to be benecial as an adjuvant to ropivacaine. We compared the efcacy of combination of ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine with dexamethasone in ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP) block. Material And Methods: In this prospective randomised double blind controlled trial, 60 ASA physical status I/II patients undergoing elective upper limb surgery under ultrasound guided SCBP block with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine were randomised into three groups. Group 1 (n = 20) received 1 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine, and group 2 (n = 20) received 8 mg of dexamethasone in addition to ropivacaine, while group 3 (n = 20) received only ropivacaine. The primary outcomes studied were onset and duration of sensory and motor block. Secondary outcomes included duration of analgesia, total analgesic consumption in 24 h postoperatively and quality of block. ANOVA and Chi-square test were used to compare results on continuous measurements and categorical measurements, respectively. Results: Onset of sensory and motor block was faster in group 1 (13.5 ± 4.1 and 17.0 ± 4.1 min) and group 2 (15.6 ± 3.6 and 18.5 ± 3.7 min) as compared to group 3 (20.1 ± 5.3 and 24.9 ± 5.6 min; P < 0.001). Block duration was signicantly longer in group 1 and group 2 than in group 3. Duration of analgesia was prolonged in group 1 and 2 (1218.0 ± 224.6 and 1128.0 ± 207.5 min, respectively) as compared to group 3 (768.0 ± 273.7 min; P < 0.001). Twenty four hours analgesic consumption postoperatively was reduced in the two study groups. Conclusion: Both dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone when used as adjuvants to ropivacaine for SCBP block, block onset time, and prolong' block duration

Defining an Ultrasound-guided Regional Anesthesia Curriculum for Emergency Medicine.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) can be a powerful tool in the treatment of painful conditions commonly encountered in emergency medicine (EM) practice. UGRA can benefit patients while avoiding the risks of procedural sedation and opioid-based systemic analgesia. Despite these advantages, many EM trainees do not receive focused education in UGRA and there is no published curriculum specifically for EM physicians. The objective of this study was to identify the components of a UGRA curriculum for EM physicians. A list of potential curriculum elements was developed through an extensive literature review. An expert panel was convened that included 13 ultrasound faculty members from 12 institutions and from a variety of practice environments and diverse geographical regions. The panel voted on curriculum elements through two rounds of a modified Delphi process. The panelists voted on 178 total elements, 110 background knowledge elements, and 68 individual UGRA techniques. A high level of agreement was achieved for 65 background knowledge elements from the categories: benefits to providers and patients, indications, contraindications, risks, ultrasound skills, procedural skills, sterile technique, local anesthetics, and educational resources. Ten UGRA techniques achieved consensus: interscalene brachial plexus, supraclavicular brachial plexus, radial nerve, median nerve, ulnar nerve, serratus anterior plane, fascia iliaca, femoral nerve, popliteal sciatic nerve, and posterior tibial nerve blocks. The defined curriculum represents ultrasound expert opinion on a curriculum for training practicing EM physicians. This curriculum can be used to guide the development and implementation of more robust UGRA education for both residents and independent providers.

English

English

Efficacy of dexamethasone vs dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for brachial plexus block- A randomised control trial

The brachial plexus block is an easy and relatively safe procedure for upper limb surgeries though there are different approaches to it, it is a block of roots, divisions and cords of the brachial plexus, out of which supraclavicular approach is most widely used method for anaesthesia and preoperative pain management in surgery below shoulder joint. It is performed at the trunk level where the plexus is presented most compactly. Another advantage is that it can be performed with the patient’s arm in any position to provide excellent anaesthesia for elbow, forearm and hand surgery.Various local anaesthetic agents are used for Brachial Plexus Block but most commonly used drugs are; Bupivacaine, and Lignocaine. Bupivacaine is long acting whereas Lignocaine is short acting drug. Novel adjuncts studied to date include butorphanol, buperonorphine, dexamethasone, Clonidine, Neostigmine, Tramadol, Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine etc.Dexmedetomidine is an anxiolytic sedative and analgesic agent, it is a selective α2 – adrenoreceptor agonist and is approximately 8 times more potent than clonidine. It was superior to clonidine also in quality for anesthesia in tourniquet tolerance, and postoperative analgesia and it is notable for its ability to provide sedation without risk of respiratory depression and can provide cooperative or semi arousable sedation.The mechanism by which αadrenergic receptor agonists produce analgesia is likely to be multifactorial. Peripherally αadrenergic agonists produce analgesia by reducing the release of norepinephrine and αreceptor independent inhibitory effect on nerve fibre action potential. Recent pre-clinical and clinical studies show that the glucocorticoid dexamethasone appears to be effective as adjuvant to local anesthetics since it posses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In addition, perineural injection of steroid does influence post operative analgesia. This study was done to compare the adjuvant effect of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine, when aded with local anesthetics in Supraclavicular brachial plexus block.It was a prospective randomized control trial conducted for 18 months in LLR hospital Kanpur. 90 patients of ASA grade 1 and 2 aged more than 18 yrs of either sex were included and Thirty patients were randomly divided in each of the three groups and observations were made regarding hemodynamic changes such as HR, MAP, SPO2 and onset of sensory, motor block and duration of motor, sensory effect. Student t test and analysis of variance were the methods used for analysis. Additions of injection dexamethasone and injection dexmedetomidine with lignocaine markedly prolonged duration of sensory and motor block however duration of injection dexmedetomidine was found to be longer as compared to dexamethasone.Dexmedetomidine has longer duration of motor and sensory effect when used as an adjuvent as compared to dexamethasone.

Reliability of Various Predictors for Preoperative Diagnosis of Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Lesions with Shoulder and/or Elbow Paresis

The distinction between supraclavicular and infraclavicular acute brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) could be challenging in cases of combined shoulder and elbow paresis. The reliability of several preoperative predictors was investigated to avoid unnecessary dissection, prolonged operation time, increased postoperative morbidity, and long scars. Between 2004 and 2013, 75 patients, who sustained acute BPI and presented with motor paresis of shoulder and elbow with preservation of hand function, were included and studied retrospectively. Various predictors including muscles function, sensation, fractures, Tinel's sign and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies were reviewed. The highest odds ratio (OR) values for infraclavicular BPI were healthy clavicular head of pectoralis major and biceps, presenting with OR = 36.5 and 31.76, respectively, which were identified the most important predictors. A combination of functioning pectoralis major or biceps, scapular fracture, an infraclavicular Tinel's sign, and normal NCV in the musculocutaneous nerve was highly predictive of an infraclavicular level.

Dexmedetomidine vs dexamethasone as an adjuvant to 0.5% ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Background and Aims:Both dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone have individually been shown to be beneficial as an adjuvant to ropivacaine. We compared the efficacy of combination of ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine with dexamethasone in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP) block.Material and Methods:In this prospective randomised double-blind controlled trial, 60 ASA physical status I/II patients undergoing elective upper-limb surgery under ultrasound-guided SCBP block with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine were randomised into three groups. Group 1 (n = 20) received 1 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine, and group 2 (n = 20) received 8 mg of dexamethasone in addition to ropivacaine, while group 3 (n = 20) received only ropivacaine. The primary outcomes studied were onset and duration of sensory and motor block. Secondary outcomes included duration of analgesia, total analgesic consumption in 24 h postoperatively and quality of block. ANOVA and Chi-square test were used to compare results on continuous measurements and categorical measurements, respectively.Results:Onset of sensory and motor block was faster in group 1 (13.5 ± 4.1 and 17.0 ± 4.1 min) and group 2 (15.6 ± 3.6 and 18.5 ± 3.7 min) as compared to group 3 (20.1 ± 5.3 and 24.9 ± 5.6 min; P < 0.001). Block duration was significantly longer in group 1 and group 2 than in group 3. Duration of analgesia was prolonged in group 1 and 2 (1218.0 ± 224.6 and 1128.0 ± 207.5 min, respectively) as compared to group 3 (768.0 ± 273.7 min; P < 0.001). Twenty-four hours analgesic consumption postoperatively was reduced in the two study groups.Conclusion:Both dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone when used as adjuvants to ropivacaine for SCBP block, block onset time, and prolong' block duration.

Comparative Effects of Supraclavicular Perivascular and Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgeries

Comparative Effects of Supraclavicular Perivascular and Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgeries

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Approach for Excision of C8 Nerve Root Schwannoma: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Brachial plexus tumors are uncommon lesions in young adults. The majority of these are benign peripheral sheath tumors. In this 3-dimensional video, we present a case of a 19-yr-old female who presented to the neurosurgical outpatients with an anterior neck lump. It has been present for months, causing occasional numbness and paraesthesia in the distribution of the left ring finger. There was no objective weakness in finger flexion with normal long flexors reflexes. The cervical spine and supraclavicular brachial plexus were investigated with a magnetic resonance imaging (Gadolinium) scan (Figure1). It demonstrated 30×20×20 mm lesion adjacent to the C8 nerve arising from the neural foramen, however, mostly occupying the space lateral to it. The patient was consented for resection of the tumor. This was done via the supraclavicular brachial plexus approach. The brachial plexus nerves were macroscopically demonstrated lateral to the anterior scalene muscle. The intraoperative electrophysiology was used to directly stimulate the nerves, which aided in accurate tracking during the dissection. The tumor was exposed after tracing the C8 nerve deep and medial to the anterior scalene muscle. It was resected down to the foramen, reaching the level of the epidural venous plexus, while C8 was spared. The patient recovered with no neurological deficit. The histopathology confirmed grade 1 schwannoma. Subsequently, there was no radiological follow-up performed. This case demonstrates the surgical dissection of supraclavicular brachial plexus in 3-dimensions while describing the unusual dissection medial to scalenus anterior muscle.

Comparative study between magnesium sulfate and ketamine added to lidocaine in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb surgery

Introduction Supraclavicular brachial plexus (SBP) block is an excellent substitute for general anesthesia during upper limb operations. It prevents undesirable effects of using general anesthesia and upper airway instruments. Moreover, it reduces the duration of hospitalization and costs and provides complete muscle relaxation. The ultrasound-guided technique requires a lower anesthetic volume to provide an efficient block and decreases the risk associated with intravascular injections and trauma to the surrounding tissues. Aim We conducted this study to compare the effect of ketamine versus magnesium sulfate as additives to lidocaine on onset and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia time, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), total analgesic need, stress response (cortisol and blood glucose), and adverse effects in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus (SBP) block for patients who electively underwent upper limb surgeries. Patients and methods A total of 90 patients aged 21–65 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I, II, and III, scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries under SBP block, were divided into three equal groups in a randomized controlled fashion: group C (n=30) received 25 ml 2% lidocaine plus 5 cm saline, group K (n=30) received 25 ml 2% lidocaine plus 2 mg/kg ketamine, and group M (n=30) received 25 ml 2% lidocaine plus 250 mg magnesium sulfate (total volume in all groups 30 ml). Hemodynamic variables such as mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate, onset and duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative VAS, time to first analgesic request, total analgesic need, stress response (cortisol and blood glucose), and adverse effects were recorded for each patient. Results The sensory block duration was 438.0±80.4 min in group K, 280.2±42.6 min in group M, and 132.0±24.6 min in group C, with a P value less than 0.001, which was statistically significant, whereas the motor block duration was 500±79 min in the group K, 342±50 min in group M, and 200±35 min in group C, with a P value less than 0.001, which was statistically significant, indicating a prolongation in block duration in the ketamine group followed by magnesium group and then control group. The most significant and highest VAS pain scores were found in the control group at all time points (P&lt;0.001), whereas the K group had the lowest VAS. Postoperative analgesic requirement was less in K group when compared with other groups (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion Both ketamine and magnesium sulfate prolong the duration of analgesia without any major adverse effects. Ketamine is a better adjuvant to lidocaine for SBP than magnesium sulfate, as it has lower VAS and less postoperative analgesic requirement in upper limb surgeries.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Brachial Plexus: A Comparison between Readout-segmented and Conventional Single-shot Echo-planar Imaging

Purpose:Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) adds functional information to morphological magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in the assessment of the brachial nerve plexus. To determine the most appropriate pulse sequence in scan times suited for diagnostic imaging in clinical routine, we compared image quality between simultaneous multi-slice readout-segmented (rs-DTI) and conventional single-shot (ss-DTI) echo-planar imaging techniques.Methods:Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved study including 10 healthy volunteers. The supraclavicular brachial plexus, covering the nerve roots and trunks from C5 to C7, was imaged on both sides with rs-DTI and ss-DTI. Both sequences were acquired in scan times <7 min with b-values of 900 s/mm2 and with isotropic spatial resolution.Results:In rs-DTI image, the overall quality was significantly better and distortion artifacts were significantly lower (P = 0.001–0.002 and P = 0.001–0.002, respectively) for both readers. In ss-DTI, a trend toward lower degree of ghosting and motion artifacts was elicited (reader 1, P = 0.121; reader 2, P = 0.264). No significant differences between the two DTI techniques were found for signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) and fractional anisotropy (FA) (P ≥ 0.475, P ≥ 0.624, and P ≥ 0.169, respectively). Interreader agreement for all examined parameters and all sequences ranged from intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.064 to 0.905 and Kappa 0.40 to 0.851.Conclusion:Incomparable acquisition times rs-DTI showed higher image quality and less distortion artifacts than ss-DTI. The trend toward a higher degree of ghosting and motion artifacts in rs-DTI did not deteriorate image quality to a significant degree. Thus, rs-DTI should be considered for functional MRN of the brachial plexus.

Assessing changes in tissue oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy following brachial plexus block for arteriovenous fistula surgery: A prospective observational pilot study.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used to measure tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) in different sites and in a wide range of clinical scenarios. Peripheral regional anaesthesia induces vascular changes causing increased arterial blood flow and venodilatation, but its effect on StO2 is still under debate. This is especially so for patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula surgery, wherein latest data suggest an improved outcome under brachial plexus block (BPB) compared with local anaesthesia, but no data are available. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in StO2 following BPB prior to arteriovenous fistula surgery using NIRS. A prospective observational study. A secondary teaching hospital from August 2016 to March 2017. Fifteen patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula surgery. Ultrasound-guided BPB in 15 patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula surgery. StO2 at baseline and compared with baseline and the contralateral arm following BPB measured using NIRS of the thenar eminence (NIRSth). Baseline values of StO2 assessed by NIRSth were 42.6 ± 7.7% in the arteriovenous fistula arm and 42.7 ± 9.7% in the contralateral arm. There was no significant difference between the two. Five minutes after BPB, there was a significant increase in StO2 of the blocked arm, compared with the control arm expressed as difference of absolute values (7.1 ± 9.7%). At 60 min, an absolute difference of 21.0 ± 13.5% was reached. The absolute increase in StO2 of the blocked arm compared with baseline reached significance after 5 min (8.8 ± 4.6%) and increased up to 23.2 ± 8.2% after 60 min. NIRSth indicates that BPB significantly increases StO2 of the arteriovenous fistula arm in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03044496.

Effect of Dexamethasone on Characteristics of Supraclavicular Nerve Block with Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine: A Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized Control Trial.

Background:Dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine and ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP) block prolongs motor and sensory blockade. However, comparison of effect of dexamethasone (8 mg) when added to these two local anesthetics has not been well studied. This study was conducted to compare analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone as adjuvant to bupivacaine and ropivacaine in SCBP block.Subjects and Methods:Nerve stimulator-guided SCBP block was given to 120 patients, randomly assigned to one of four groups: (n = 30 in each group) Group B, BD, R, and RD received 30 ml (0.5%) bupivacaine + 2 ml saline, 30 ml (0.5%) bupivacaine + dexamethasone 8 mg, 30 ml (0.5%) ropivacaine + 2 ml saline, and 30 ml (0.5%) ropivacaine + dexamethasone 8 mg, respectively. Time for request of the first rescue analgesic, 24-h analgesic consumption, and different block characteristics were assessed. Student's t-test, Chi-square test, ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.Results:Dexamethasone significantly prolonged time for request of the first rescue analgesic of both ropivacaine (1211.83 ± 32.86 vs. 283.17 ± 7.71 min){ p R, RD < 0.001} and bupivacaine (1205.17 ± 34.32 vs. 364.67 ± 16.50 min) {p B, BD < 0.001}. 24-h requirement for rescue analgesics was more in Groups B and R when compared to Groups BD and RD. The increase in duration of analgesia was more when Groups R and RD (928.66 min) were compared than Groups B and BD (840.5 min). Similar results were seen with onset times and duration of sensory and motor block.Conclusion:The addition of dexamethasone to bupivacaine and ropivacaine in SCBP block prolonged time for first rescue analgesia and reduced the requirement of rescue analgesics with faster onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block, with the effect being stronger with ropivacaine.

A study to compare the effects of supraclavicular perivascular technique and infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade for below elbow surgeries

A study to compare the effects of supraclavicular perivascular technique and infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade for below elbow surgeries

All-Endoscopic Brachial Plexus Complete Neurolysis for Idiopathic Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Prospective Case Series

To describe an all-endoscopic technique for infra- and supraclavicular brachial plexus (BP) neurolysis and to assess its functional outcomes for patients suffering from nonspecific neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). Between January 2010 and January 2013, 36 patients presenting an idiopathic nonspecific NTOS benefited from an endoscopic decompression in our institution. The inclusion criteria were a typical clinical NTOS and failure of a 6-month well-conducted nonsurgical treatment. Preoperative findings about other shoulder conditions and complementary procedures were exclusion criteria. Interscalene, costoclavicular, and retropectoralis minor spaces were released endoscopically. The primary endpoint was the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score improvement 6months after the surgery. Postoperative criteria such as pain relief, paresthesia, upper limb weakness, and provocative tests were also assessed. Of 36 patients, 10 were excluded and 5 were lost during follow-up. The data of the 21remaining patients were analyzed after 6months. Pre- and postoperative mean DASH scores were, respectively, 70 (range 36-98) and 34 (range 2-91). The average improvement was 36 (range-20 to 80), with P= .0002. Pain and paresthesia were relieved in 80% to 90% of the cases. No complication was reported. Although requiring arthroscopic skills and expert knowledge of the anatomy, our technique seems to be safe and reproducible, and it provides significant functional improvements in the selected patients with nonspecific NTOS, with an average postoperative DASH score improvement of 36%. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A clinical comparison between 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.5% levobupivacaine with dexamethasone 8 mg combination in brachial plexus block by the supraclavicular approach.

Background and Aims:Dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP) block prolongs motor and sensory blockade. However, the effect of dexamethasone (8 mg) when added to levobupivacaine has not been well studied. This study was conducted to find out analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone as adjuvant to levobupivacaine in SCBP block.Methods:Ultrasound- guided SCBP block was given to sixty patients, randomly assigned into two groups. Group S (thirty patients) received 2 mL normal saline with 25 mL levobupivacaine (0.5%) and Group D (thirty patients) received 2 mL of dexamethasone (8 mg) with 25 mL of levobupivacaine (0.5%), respectively. Time for the first rescue analgesia, number of rescue analgesics required in 24 h and different block characteristics was assessed. Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis.Results:Time for request of the first rescue analgesia was 396.13 ± 109.42 min in Group S and 705.80 ± 121.46 min in Group D (P < 0.001). The requirement for rescue analgesics was more in Group S when compared to Group D. The onset of sensory and motor block was faster in Group D when compared to Group S. The mean duration of sensory and motor block was significantly longer in Group D than Group S.Conclusion:The addition of dexamethasone to levobupivacaine in SCBP blockade prolonged time for first rescue analgesia and reduced the requirement of rescue analgesics with faster onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block.

Robot-assisted surgery of the shoulder girdle and brachial plexus.

New developments in the surgery of the brachial plexus include the use of less invasive surgical approaches and more precise techniques. The theoretical advantages of the use of robotics versus endoscopy are the disappearance of physiological tremor, three-dimensional vision, high definition, magnification, and superior ergonomics. On a fresh cadaver, a dissection space was created and maintained by insufflation of CO2. The supraclavicular brachial plexus was dissected using the da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). A segment of the C5 nerve root was grafted robotically. A series of eight clinical cases of nerve damage around the shoulder girdle were operated on using the da Vinci robot. The ability to perform successful microneural repair was confirmed in both the authors' clinical and experimental studies, but the entire potential of robotically assisted microneural surgery was not realized during these initial cases because an open incision was still required. Robotic-assisted surgery of the shoulder girdle and brachial plexus is still in its early stages. It would be ideal to have even finer and more suitable instruments to apply fibrin glue or electrostimulation in nerve surgery. Nevertheless, the prospects of minimally invasive techniques would allow acute and subacute surgical approach of traumatic brachial plexus palsy safely, without significant and cicatricial morbidity.

Early ultrasonographic detection of low-volume intraneural injection

Intraneural injection of local anaesthetic agents carries a risk of neurological complications. Early detection of intraneural needle-tip position is very important in the initial phase of injection. Ultrasound (US) characteristics for real-time detection of intraneural injections have been described, but only for relatively large volumes (5-40 ml). This study assesses the reliability of various US criteria to detect early low volume (0.5 ml) intraneural injections. Intraneural deposition of an injected dye was confirmed by cryomicrotomy. In nine unembalmed human cadavers, 0.5 ml methylene blue was injected intraneurally into the supraclavicular brachial plexus and subgluteal sciatic nerve on both sides. The sites of injection were subsequently removed en bloc. Consecutive cryomicrotomy cross-sections with a 50 µm interval were obtained to assess intraneural presence of the injectate. Two independent experts separately reviewed US video clips of the injections and scored each US criterion. Of the 36 injections, cryomicrotome cross-sections showed intraneural staining in 33 and extraneural staining in three. The best US criterion was expansion of the nerve cross-sectional surface area together with a change in echogenicity. It was observed in 35 injections, including two false positives. There was one true negative. Test precision was 94% [95% confidence interval (CI), 87-100%]. The mean increase in surface area was 8.7% (95% CI, 5.6-11.9). Reliable detection of early low-volume intraneural injection using US is possible using expansion of the cross-sectional surface area of the nerve together with a change in echogenicity as markers.

Supraclavicular Approach to First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to compression of the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus in the region of the superior aperture of the chest, with most compression of these structures directed against the first rib. Historically, the diagnosis and treatment of TOS have been difficult and controversial topics. Symptoms may be vascular or neural, depending on the predominant target of compression. Neurologic signs and symptoms can range from mild paresthesia and numbness to intrinsic hand muscle atrophy, and many times there will be more than one site of nerve compression. Often, particularly in neurogenic TOS, there is no reliable objective test to identify the cause. Nerve conduction studies are useful for detecting sites of concomitant distal compression, such as the median nerve at the carpal tunnel or the ulnar nerve at the elbow, but neither they nor somatosensory-evoked potentials are universally accepted as helpful in the diagnosis of TOS. In these cases, the diagnosis is suggested by physical examination. Though many provocative tests exist, we have found the most logical and reliable to be the reproduction of symptoms within 1 minute of arm elevation, with the wrist neutral and elbow extended. This positionpreventstheconfoundingincitementofperipheralnerve compression at the elbow or wrist. Symptoms may occur more briskly with concomitant digital pressure on the supraclavicular brachial plexus. Most patients with neurogenic TOS will achieve relief with specific and directed physical therapy. However, those with an easily identifiable cause of vascular or nervous compression, and some of those without an identifiable cause and incomplete relief from conservative management, may benefit from surgical decompression. The supraclavicular approach to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome by decompression of the brachial plexus and excision of the first rib releases structures that compress soft tissue in the region of the interscalene portion of the brachial plexus.ThelowernervetrunkandC8andT1nerverootscan be completely identified and protected as the most posterior aspect of the first rib is resected under direct vision. Any cervical ribs or prolonged transverse processes are easily removed by this supraclavicular approach.