Interscalene Block in the Modern Era: When Stuck, Go Back to the Roots!

Abstract

The traditional interscalene block has evolved over time to lower, lateral and posterior approaches, coinciding with the advent of Peripheral Nerve Stimulator and Ultrasonography. In limited infrastructure settings, such technology remains elusive and the classical paresthesia technique comes to the rescue. This approach is however very difficult to elicit in pediatric patients. It is here that the grassroot approach of a fascial “click” or “pop” emerges as the savior to administer a satisfactory block. We describe a case of a young boy with successful conduct of anaesthesia for K wire fixation of supracondylar fracture of humerus under lower interscalene block with loss of resistance technique. In light of recent research showing about 40-50% variation in the brachial plexus anatomy around the subclavian artery, use of technology in anaesthesia is the future. However, till such technology is made universally affordable, it is pertinent to remember the roots of interscalene block!