Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block versus intravenous regional anaesthesia for the manipulation of fractures of the distal radius

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block versus intravenous regional anaesthesia for the manipulation of fractures of the distal radius: a randomised controlled trial

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN08332539

Enrollment

Registered

2010-08-31

Start date

2010-10-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2017-05-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Distal radius fractures Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning Fractures of the arm

Interventions

Intravenous regional anaesthesia: An intravenous cannula will be placed in the dorsum of the hand of the affected limb and a second cannula placed in the contralateral limb. A suitably sized double cu

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Aged greater than or equal to 18 years, either sex 2. Closed fracture of the distal third of the radius 3. Manipulation of the fracture required in the emergency department as judged by an emergency department middle grade doctor or consultant

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Confusion (Abbreviated Mental Test [AMT] less than 8) 2. Multiple injuries 3. Pre-existing sensory or motor deficit in the affected limb 4. Allergy to lignocaine or prilocaine 5. Any condition precluding the use of a tourniquet in the affected limb 6. Inability to read English 7. Middle grade doctor or consultant trained in intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) and supraclavicular block (SCB) not available 8. Significant pre-existing respiratory impairment (defined as exercise tolerance less than 100 metres on flat ground) 9. Anticoagulation, inherited bleeding disorders or any other known clotting or platelet deficiency or abnormality. The use of anti-platelet medications such as aspirin will not count as a contraindication.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
1. Degree of pain experienced by the patient during manipulation, assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score 2. Overall satisfaction with procedure, assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score 3. Duration from randomisation to completion of the manipulation Assessed at the end of the manipulation of the fracture, i.e. approximately one hour after entering the trial.	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Number of manipulations required 2. Emergency department (ED) length of stay 3. Time from commencing the procedure until discharge 4. Need for subsequent surgical intervention Assessed at 3 - 7 days.	—

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026