Supraclavicular block with sonography alone or combined with nerve-stimulation: Which one is more effective?

Aim and Nerve stimulator and Sonography are both used for nerve localization and block, either alone or in combination. This study compares these methods regarding the speed of onset and quality of brachial pleuxus block in Supraclavicular area. Methods and Materials: In this double blind clinical trial, 30 patients with upper extremity fracture were recruited. They were divided into two groups. In the nerve stimulation group, block was performed with the plumb-bob approach, using nerve stimulator only. In the second group, block was done using nerve stimulatoin plus Sonography. After the procedure, the quality and onset of motor plus sensory block were recorded and analyzed. The patients had a mean age of 33/66±11/05 years. Regarding quality of motor block, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0/04), while no difference was found in sensory block quality. There was a significant statistical difference in the onset of motor block between the two groups (18/26±0/96 using Sonography and stimulatoin, and 22/4±/0/98 in the nerve stimulation group). Using nerve stimulation and ultrasonography together for Supraclavicular block, increases the quality and reduces the onset of block for upper extremity.