Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Block and Ultrasound-Guided Axillary Block

Complete sensory block is defined by anesthesia to cold sensation in the ulnar, radial, median and musculocutaneous nerves territories.

Time frame: 30 minutes after block completion

Population: Statistical analyses were conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle

Time frame: The end of surgery

Population: One patient in the infraclavicular block had an anatomic variation precluding block performance. He was considered a block failure for the primary outcome and for the secondary outcomes of complete motor block and surgical success, on the basis of an intention-to-treat analysis. This patient was not included in the remaining secondary outcomes.

The total time the tourniquet was left inflated

Time frame: The end of surgery

Complete motor block is defined by paralysis in the ulnar, radial, median and musculocutaneous nerves territories.

Time frame: 30 minutes after block completion

Adverse events were defined by residual numbness, loss of sensitivity or weakness in the operated arm related to block performance or signs of hematoma or infection at the puncture site.

Time frame: 24 hours after surgery

Population: Four patients in the infraclavicular group and six in the axillary group could not be contacted in the pre-established time frame.

Adverse events were defined by residual numbness, loss of sensitivity or weakness in the operated arm related to block performance or signs of hematoma or infection at the puncture site.

Time frame: 1 month after surgery

Population: Eight patients in the infraclavicular group and five in the axillary group could not be contacted in the pre-established time frame.

Performance time is defined as the sum of imaging time (defined as the time elapsed from the moment the Doppler probe is in contact with the patient to the insertion of the Tuohy needle) and needling time (from the insertion of the needle to its complete removal).

Time frame: During the performance of the block

Population: One patient in the infraclavicular block had an anatomic variation precluding block performance. He was considered a block failure for the primary outcome and for the secondary outcomes of complete motor block and surgical success, on the basis of an intention-to-treat analysis. This patient was not included in the remaining secondary outcomes.

Pain was evaluated by the patient on a visual analog pain scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain of their life).

Time frame: After the nerve block procedure ended, up to 5 minutes.

Population: One patient in the infraclavicular block had an anatomic variation precluding block performance. He was considered a block failure for the primary outcome and for the secondary outcomes of complete motor block and surgical success. This patient was not included in the other secondary outcomes. 3 other participants had missing data for this outcome.

Surgical block success is defined by a nerve block allowing surgery without a rescue block, an infiltration of local anesthetics by the surgeon, administration of analgesics for pain in the surgical field or a general anesthesia.

Time frame: End of surgery

Complete motor block is defined by paralysis in the median, ulnar, radial and musculocutaneous nerves territories.

Time frame: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes after block completion

Population: One patient in the infraclavicular block had an anatomic variation precluding block performance. He was considered a block failure for the primary outcome and for the secondary outcomes of complete motor block and surgical success, on the basis of an intention-to-treat analysis. This patient was not included in the remaining secondary outcomes.

Complete sensory block is defined by anesthesia to cold sensation in the median, ulnar, radial and musculocutaneous nerves territories.

Time frame: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes after block completion

Population: One patient in the infraclavicular block had an anatomic variation precluding block performance. He was considered a block failure for the primary outcome and for the secondary outcomes of complete motor block and surgical success, on the basis of an intention-to-treat analysis. This patient was not included in the remaining secondary outcomes.

Number of participants who had a tourniquet during the surgery

Time frame: The end of surgery

Population: One patient in the infraclavicular block had an anatomic variation precluding block performance. He was considered a block failure for the primary outcome and for the secondary outcomes of complete motor block and surgical success, on the basis of an intention-to-treat analysis. This patient was not included in the remaining secondary outcomes.