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

Authors

Keywords:

brachial plexus, nerve blocks, supraclavicular, ultrasound-guided, regional anatomy

Abstract

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

Methods: The brachial plexus in the supraclavicular 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 supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks was developed.

Conclusion: This description serves as a comprehensive guide to a technique for performing ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks safely and successfully. It also aims to provide the reader with the background knowledge of the technique and the surrounding regional anatomy.

Author Biographies

S Govender, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

MSc Anatomy (UP), Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and Department of Anatomy, Section of Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria

D Möhr, University of Pretoria

MMed (Anaesthesiology) (UP), Department of Anatomy, Section of Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Private Practice, Anaesthesiologist

Z N Tshabalala, University of Pretoria

MSc Anatomy (UP), Department of Anatomy, Section of Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria

Albert-Neels Van Schoor, Universiteit van Pretoria

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

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Published

2019-03-12

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Section

Research Articles