AbstractBackground and Aim: Brachial plexus blocks when administered adroitly offer numerous benefits over general anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries. It is especially beneficial in patients with substantial comorbid conditions such as diseases involving the respiratory and cardiovascular system, life-threatening obesity, and those with an anticipated difficult airway. Out of its many approaches, we aim to compare and assess the Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular techniques utilising ultrasonography.
Methods: Sixty consenting ASA I–II patients, aged 18–65 years, scheduled for elective upper limb surgery were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each: Supraclavicular (S) and Infraclavicular block Groups (I). Blocks were performed under ultrasound-guidance. The quality of the block intra-operatively, patient satisfaction post-operatively, duration of the sensory & motor block, and complications were observed.
Results: Demographics, number of attempts, mean pain score felt during the administration of the block, mean duration of motor and sensory blockade and incidence of complications were all comparable between the two groups & statistically not significant. However, at 5 and 10 minutes after the execution of the block, the Infraclavicular group showed a higher level of blockade, indicating that the onset of action of the block was significantly quicker.
Conclusion: Time taken to perform & rapidity of onset were more in the Infraclavicular block with no difference in adequacy of both blocks at 30 minutes.