Authors

• Faramarz Mosaffa, MD Mosaffa, MD
• Mahvash Agah, MD
• Farivar Abdollahzadeh Lahiji, MD
• Parviz Jalili, MD

Abstract

Background: There are different techniques for brachial plexus block, each with their advantages and disadvantages. The usual side-effects are: Incomplete block, especially ulnar nerve, and pneumothorax. We would like to report a modification of the technique which negates these side-effects.Methods: In an applied study, 50 cases (30 males, 20 females) that received a modified technique of interscalen block were studied. The mean age was 35 years. The site for local anesthetic injection was at the junction of the upper two-third and lower one-third of the line joining the midpoint of clavicle and chassaignac tubercle. Average time to production of block, period of sustained anesthesia, and any side-effects and patients' satisfaction were documented.Results: Ulnar nerve block was established in 50 cases. The block was functional within 15 minutes and 44 seconds. The analgesic effect on ulnar nerve was obtained in 96% of the cases, and continued for an average of 3 hours and 32 minutes. Excellent patients' satisfaction was observed in 70% of the cases. No pneumothorax was encountered.Conclusions: Modified interscalenblock is a suitable method of anesthesia for wrist and forearm surgeries with no risk for pneumothorax.