Infraclavicular or Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks for Elbow Surgery

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study compares the infraclavicular approach to supraclavicular approach of brachial plexus block for elbow surgery.

Detailed Description
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Traditionally, infraclavicular as well as supraclavicular approaches to brachial plexus have been recommended for elbow surgery. Supraclavicular approach is considered to have a more rapid onset. However, investigators have noticed that the supraclavicular approach needs more supplementation if it is used for elbow surgery. Therefore more and more anesthesiologists now choose the infraclavicular approach for elbow surgery (though both approaches are recommended in the text books). None of the published studies have addressed if one approach is indeed superior to the other specifically for elbow surgery. Therefore the investigators propose to undertake a study that will evaluate the two approaches to the brachial plexus specifically for elbow surgery.

Official Title
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A Randomized Comparison of Infraclavicular and Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks for Elbow Surgery

Conditions
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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Biceps Tendon Rupture

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Supraclavicular
* Procedure: Infraclavicular


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients scheduled for ambulatory elbow surgery under block ASA 1-3 Exclusion Criteria: Narcotic dependent Severe systemic illness Refusal of block localized infection

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Supraclavicular<br>Supraclavicular brachial plexus block will be done. | Procedure: Supraclavicular<br>* Brachial plexus block with supraclavicular approach<br>|
| Active Comparator: Infraclavicular<br>Infraclavicular brachial plexus block block will be done. | Procedure: Infraclavicular<br>* Brachial plexus block with infraclavicular approach<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time to completion of block | A clock will be used to assess this outcome. Complete sensory block in all dermatomes will be tested with ice. | 30 minutes | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Readiness for surgery | A clock will be used to assess this outcome. Complete sensory and motor block at the time of incision will be considered readiness of surgery. | 60 minutes | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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elbow