ABSTRACT
Introduction: Various additives have been added in brachialplexus block with local anaesthetics to increase their duration.We performed a randomised prospective double blind study toevaluate the effect of methylprednisolone added to lidocaineand bupivacaine on the onset and duration of anaesthesia.Method: 60 patients with ASA physical status 1 and 2 with age18 to 60 years undergoing elective upper arm surgery belowelbow were randomly allotted to receive either 20 ml (0.5%)bupivacaine + 10 ml lidocaine (2%) + 40 mg (1ml)methylprednisolone or 20 ml (0.5%) bupivacaine + 10 mllidocaine (2%) +1ml normal saline. Block was performed undernerve stimulator guidance. Onset and duration of motor andsensory blockade was done.Results: Onset of sensory and motor blockade (4.5 ± 1.43minutes vs 7.81 ± 1.42 minutes and 9.03 ± 2.48 mins vs 11.27± 2.86 mins) respectively was significantly more rapid inmethylprednisolone group. The duration of sensory and motorblockade (911 ± 112.4 mins vs 396.83 ± 64.28 mins and 456.5± 79.4 mins vs 225 ± 49.39 mins) respectively weresignificantly longer in methylprednisolone group.Conclusion: Addition of methylprednisolone to brachial plexusblock speeds the onset and prolongs the duration of sensoryand motor blockade.