ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The lateral sagittal brachial plexus block is the most used method for pediatric upper extremity surgery, whereas the applications of costoclavicular brachial plexus block are limited. This study aimed to compare the lateral sagittal and costoclavicular approaches for the ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in pediatric patients. METHODS: Sixty pediatric patients aged 5-15 years undergoing hand or forearm surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Group LS (n = 30) received ultrasound-guided lateral sagittal block, and Group CC (n = 30) received ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block. The block performing time, needling time, imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores were evaluated. RESULTS: The needling time (82.90 ± 28.17 seconds vs. 64.77 ± 28.11 seconds respectively, p = 0.004) and total block performance time (109.53 ± 29.75 seconds vs. 89.70 ± 29.98 seconds respectively, p = 0.005) were significantly longer in Group LS than in Group CC. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Costoclavicular and lateral sagittal brachial plexus blocks resulted in similar anesthetics effects. Moreover, the costoclavicular method can be a better alternative to lateral sagittal as it has a shorter block performance time.