Research Article

Comparison Between Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular Block Approaches for Upper Limb Surgeries

Abstract

Background: A properly administered regional anaesthesia technique provides significant benefits to anaesthesiologists, surgeons and patients alike due to its advantages over general anaesthesia. These includes maintaining consciousness, improved hemodynamic stability and superior postoperative pain relief. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate and compare the technical simplicity and efficacy of supraclavicular and infraclavicular approaches to brachial plexus.
Methods: This study randomly allocated 100 patients to two groups: Group I received a supraclavicular block, and Group II received an infraclavicular block as a part of a prospective observational design.
Results: The study groups showed no significant association or differences in various parameters, including age, sex, ASA, duration of surgery, block performance time, onset of motor block, duration of motor block, successful block, and patient satisfaction. The study found a significant difference in sensory blockade onset time between the two study groups (p < 0.001). and a higher complication rate in the supraclavicular group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Both supraclavicular and infraclavicular block techniques showed equivalent effectiveness in terms of block execution time, success rate, duration of sensory and motor blockade and patient satisfaction in upper extremity surgeries. Infraclavicular group had a quicker sensory blockade onset, whereas the supraclavicular group had more complications and conversion to general anesthesia was more frequent in infraclavicular group but the difference was not significant.

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Keywords
Ultrasound Supraclavicular Infraclavicular Anaesthesia
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How to Cite
1.
Giri U, Kuttarmare S, Sonsale A, Palwade R. Comparison Between Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular Block Approaches for Upper Limb Surgeries. Arch Anesth & Crit Care. 2026;.