Regional anesthesia has more to offer in orthopedic surgery than in any other surgical specialty. This study was conducted on 180 patients of ASA physical status I-II presenting for surgery of the hand, forearm or elbow. Patients were randomly allocated into two main groups: Group A: In this group, double injection axillary brachial plexus block using a peripheral nerve stimulator was performed on 90 patients. Group B: In this group, single injection coracoid infraclavicular brachial plexus block using a peripheral nerve stimulator was performed on 90 patients. In conclusion, the double injection axillary and single injection coracoid infraclavicular blocks have been proven to be useful, simple, safe and reliable. All the operative procedures of the hand, forearm and elbow can be performed with either technique. In comparison with double injection axillary block; single injection coracoid infraclavicular approach proved to be as safe and reliable, however it is superior in many aspects. The addition of clonidine to ropivacaine prolonged the duration of sensory block, postoperative analgesia and motor block. |
