Abstract
Background: Supraclavicular and infraclavicular both approaches have identical distributions of anesthesia. Proximal blocks generally have rapid onset than blocks which are distal. Objective: To compare the clinical effect of supraclavicular perivascular technique and infraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed among hundred patients receiving upper limb surgery under infraclavicular or supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The infraclavicular brachial
plexus block was achieved by using the vertical technique with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The supraclavicular block was performed using the plumb bob technique with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The pain related to block administration was evaluated. The sensory and motor block extent as well as the complications were assessed. Results: No significant differences were observed in the block administration related pain, evolution of sensory and motor block quality, or the success of the block. There was significant differences in the patient’s satisfaction. Conclusions: Both infraclavicular and supraclavicular block had effects which were similar. When considering the complications, the infraclavicular approach may be preferred to the supraclavicular approach.