Brachial plexus block

Brachial Plexus Block

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Brachial Plexus Block

The Brachial Plexus Block is a type of anesthesia used primarily in the upper extremity surgeries. It involves the injection of a local anesthetic near the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control the muscles and sensation in the arm and hand.

Indications

Brachial plexus block is indicated for surgeries of the upper extremity, including the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. It can also be used for pain management in conditions such as CRPS, phantom limb pain, and intractable angina.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement of the needle and to avoid injury to the surrounding structures. The patient is positioned supine with the head turned away from the side to be blocked. The skin is cleaned and a local anesthetic is injected at the needle insertion site. The needle is then advanced towards the brachial plexus under ultrasound guidance. Once the needle is in the correct position, the local anesthetic is injected.

Complications

Complications of brachial plexus block include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and local anesthetic toxicity. Rarely, complications can include pneumothorax and Horner's syndrome.

See Also

• Nerve block
• Regional anesthesia
• Local anesthesia