A review of the anatomy and a step-by-step visual guide to performing an ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block

Authors

Keywords:

brachial plexus, nerve blocks, infraclavicular, ultrasound-guided

Abstract

Background: The aim of this description is to provide step-by-step guidelines for performing an ultrasound guided infraclavicular brachial plexus nerve block.

Methods: The brachial plexus in the infraclavicular fossa of sixty healthy volunteers was scanned in the horizontal/transverse plane. The relevant regional anatomy was studied to identify the muscular and vascular structures seen on the ultrasound screen.

Results: The entire process was documented and a standard, step-by-step guide to performing ultrasound guided vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks was developed.

Conclusion: The development of high-resolution ultrasound guidance has allowed for the direct visualisation of the brachial plexus when performing nerve blocks. Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus nerve blocks are becoming more popular. This description aimed to provide step-by-step guidelines on how to perform this block safely and efficiently.

The full article is available at https://doi.org/10.36303/SAJAA.2020.26.1.2292

Author Biographies

S Govender, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and Section of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

D Möhr, University of Pretoria

Section of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Private Practice, South Africa

Z N Tshabalala, University of Pretoria

Section of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

A N Van Schoor, University of Pretoria

Section of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

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Published

2020-03-04

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Review Articles

License

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