Proximal Median Neuropathy Caused by Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

ABSTRACT

An axillary brachial plexus block (BPB) is commonly used in local anesthesia, especially for hand surgery. Infraclavicular brachial plexopathy is a potential complication of axillary BPB. A 44-year-old man with an injury to his left third fingertip presented with weakness of the left thumb and index finger flexion after orthopedic surgery under axillary BPB. This was a rare case of proximal median neuropathy caused by axillary BPB. The diagnosis was confirmed by a detailed neurological examination and electrodiagnostic studies.