ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided mid-humeral block on the motor function of upper extremities of the patients undergoing day-case surgery in a department of hand surgery. Methods Thirty patients,weighing 50-75kg,aged 18-64 yr,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠ-Ⅲ,scheduled for elective hand,wrist or forearm surgery,were divided into group Ⅰ(n=15)and group Ⅱ(n=15)using a random number table. Ultrasound-guided mid-humeral block was performed in group Ⅰ,and ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed in group Ⅱ,both with 0.375% ropivacaine 25ml. The onset time of sensory block,recovery time of sensory function,recovery time of motor function of shoulder and elbow joints,allowable hospital discharge time and patient′s satisfaction were recorded. Results Compared with group Ⅱ,the onset time of sensory block,recovery time of motor function of shoulder and elbow joints and allowable hospital discharge time were significantly shortened,and the degree of patient′s satisfaction was increased in group Ⅰ(P<0.01).There were no significant differences in the recovery time of sensory function between the two groups(P＞0.01).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided mid-humeral block has shorter onset time and less influence on the motor function of upper extremities than ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block in the patients undergoing day-case surgery in a department of hand surgery.