Abstract

Axillary brachial plexus block is frequently used during hand surgeries. Ropivacaine's effectiveness is increased when adjuvants are added. Dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate are used for peripheral nerve blocks because they increase the duration of analgesia. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulphate and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to ropivacaine for axillary brachial plexus block. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients belonging to ASA grade I and II admitted for hand surgeries were randomly divided into two groups to receive either 20ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine and magnesium sulfate 100 mg (Group RM) or 20ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine along with dexmedetomidine 30 mcg (Group RD). Onset and duration of sensory and motor block was compared between the two groups. Results: The average onset time of sensory-block in group RM was higher than group RD. The average time for initiation of motor-block was more and sensory block duration was less in RM group than in Group RD. The mean motor block duration was comparatively less in RM group. The duration of the sensory and motor blocks showed a statistically significant difference between the two study groups (p< 0.001). There was an insignificant alteration in hemodynamics in both Group RD and RM without any side effects. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (30 mcg) as an adjuvant to 0.5% Ropivacaine in axillary brachial plexus block resulted in a faster onset of sensory and motor block and a longer duration of sensory and motor block, as well as a significant prolongation of postoperative analgesia when compared with Magnesium sulfate (100 mg) in patients undergoing hand surgeries.

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