Ultrasound-guided, combined application of selective supraclavicular nerve and low-dose interscalene brachial plexus block in a high-risk patient.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) and selective supraclavicular nerve block (SNB) have been associated with successful outcomes in the treatment of fractures of the clavicle while avoiding complications. Description of the case: A 67-year-old male sustained a fracture of his right clavicle following a fall. Regional anesthesia was favored for his treatment after obtaining informed consent as he would have been exposed to high risk if treated under general anesthesia due to his medical history of coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ultrasound-guided combined application of ISB and selective SNB were utilized with a low-dose local anesthetic without the occurrence of any intraoperative or postoperative complication.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose ISB and selective SNB can be effectively and safely used for clavicular fracture treatment procedures, especially in patients who have a low pulmonary reserve.  HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(1): 25-27.