This study compared the conventional lateral and posterior approach parasagittal in-plane ultrasound guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery. A cadaveric study was also performed to complement the findings.
After obtaining approval from the Medical Ethics Committee, University Malaya Medical Centre (IRB reference no. 949.14 dated 17 October 2012), 46 patients undergoing upper limb surgery were prospectively recruited and randomized. A cadaveric dissection was also performed.
DESIGN: Prospective randomized study
SETTING: Single centre, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; November 2012 to October 2013
INTERVENTION: Ultrasound guided, lateral or posterior parasagittal in-plane infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks were performed on patients, depending on randomization. All blocks were performed using 21G x 4 inch Stimuplex A (B Braun Medical) without nerve stimulation plus SonoSite M-Turbo with HFL38x/ 13-6 MHz linear transducer probe. A 25-ml local anaesthetic admixture [Lignocaine 2% (100mg) plus Ropivacaine 0.75% (150mg)] were injected to all patients. A total volume of normal saline 0.9% 25ml mixed with methylene blue (0.2ml) was used for cadaveric study.