Prospective Clinical Trial Comparing Infraclavicular Versus Axillary Approach to Brachial Plexus Block

Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Infraclavicular Versus Axillary Approach to Brachial Plexus Block.

The brachial plexus block is an anesthetic technique often used for surgical procedures of the upper limb. To get the brachial plexus block, several routes can be used, including the axillary and infraclavicular approach.

Few studies have compared these techniques, considering the time to perform the block, the onset time and success rate, with conflicting results. Furthermore, there is little information in the literature comparing the length of postoperative analgesia provided by these techniques.

Therefore, the investigators designed this study in order to elucidate the differences between these two techniques to assist the anesthesiologist to choose the best of them in clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age older than 18 years and less than 70 years
• consent informed signed by the patient
• candidates for surgical intervention of scaphoid fractures, distal radius fractures and wrist arthrodesis
• American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I, II and III
• body mass index (BMI) <35 kg / m².

Exclusion Criteria:

• cognitive impairment or active psychiatric condition
• infection at the puncture site
• bleeding disorders
• history of allergy to ropivacaine