Clinical Trial: Infraclavicular or Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks for Elbow Surgery

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

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

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

Detailed Summary:

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.


Sponsor: Lawson Health Research Institute

Current Primary Outcome: Time to completion of block [ Time Frame: 30 minutes ]

A clock will be used to assess this outcome. Complete sensory block in all dermatomes will be tested with ice.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Readiness for surgery [ Time Frame: 60 minutes ]

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.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Lawson Health Research Institute

Dates:
Date Received: January 12, 2016
Date Started: January 2013
Date Completion:
Last Updated: February 11, 2017
Last Verified: February 2017