Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper extremity operation / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the effectiveness of supraclavicular brachial plexus block guided by ultrasound with that guided by nerve stimulator or anatomical landmarks. Methods One hundred and twenty ASA Ⅰ-Ⅲ patients (81 male, 39 female) aged 16-62 yrs weighing 40-75 kg scheduled for upper extremity operation under brachial plexus block via supraclavicular approach were randomized into 3 groups ( n = 40 each) In group U block was guided by ultrasound; in group N nerve stimulator was used to locate the brachial plexus and in group T block was performed in the traditional way based on anatomical landmarks. A mixture of equal volumes of 0.75% ropivacaine and 2% lidocaine (0.4 ml?kg-1) was injected in the 3 groups. The onset and intensity of sensory block of musculocutaneous, median, radial and ulnar nerves were measured and analgesia was rated as excellent, effective and failure.Results The rate of satisfactory block of ulnar nerve was significantly lower than that of musculocutaneous and radial nerves in group N and T ( P