Abstract
In this study we compared the effectiveness of perioperative axillary brachial plexus blocks performed using either a landmarked-based (LM group, n=20) or an ultrasound-guided approach (US group, n=20). Patients in the LM group received 28ml of 1% mepivacaine around the circumference of the axillary artery located by palpation of the pulse.
In the US group, nerve location was performed using ultrasound. The ulnar, median, radial, and musculocutaneous nerves were each blocked separately with 7ml of 1% mepivacaine.
At the start of surgery, 14 patients in the LM group needed an injection of local anesthetic at the incision point, compared with 11 patients in the US group. Furthermore, 6 patients in the LM group needed intravenous pentazocin anesthesia, compared with 2 patients in the US group. The numbers of patients needing general anesthesia in order to complete the surgery were 3 in the LM group and 1 in the US group.
Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block may be more effective than a landmarked-based approach.
