A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED COMBINED SCIATIC-FEMORAL NERVE BLOCK VERSUS SPINAL ANESTHESIA FOR THE PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE BELOW-KNEE SURGERIES

Abstract

Background: Brachial plexus block is a commonly used regional anesthesia method for upper limb surgeries, increasingly preferred over general anesthesia. The advent of anatomical sonography has improved the precision and safety of ultrasound-guided techniques, allowing for real-time monitoring of needle placement and drug distribution. Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of supraclavicular brachial plexus block using the landmark technique and ultrasound guidance in terms of procedural efficiency, onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, block effectiveness, and complication rates. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial involved 60 patients aged 18 to 60 years, of ASA grades I and II, undergoing elective or emergency upper limb surgeries. Patients were divided into two groups: Group LM (landmark technique) and Group US (ultrasound technique). Each received a supraclavicular brachial plexus block using the assigned technique with 25ml of 0.5% ropivacaine, and relevant parameters were documented. Results: The success rate was higher in Group US with no observed complications.
Ultrasound-guided technique demonstrated faster onset and longer duration of blockade compared to the landmark technique, although administration time was longer. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block emerges as a safer and more effective
approach, offering superior success rates and prolonged block duration compared to the traditional landmark technique.