A cadaveric study of the supraclavicular nerve
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Anatomy and ultrasound-guided block of the supraclavicular nerve as a supplement to interscalene brachial plexus block; a cadaveric study
IRAS ID
229733
Contact name
Nigel Bedforth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R and I Nottingham Health Science Partners
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The majority of the key hole shoulder surgery undertaken by our department is performed under nerve block with the patient awake. The traditional nerve block for surgery to the upper arm is insufficient for shoulder surgery and as such, many centres undertake shoulder surgery under general anaesthetic. \n\nWe are able to avoid giving patients a general anaesthetic for shoulder surgery by also blocking the supraclavicular nerve, with a low volume ultrasound guided technique ensuring reliable and safe shoulder anaesthesia. Ultrasound visualisation of this nerve, however, can be difficult and reliably blocking the nerve without ultrasound often requires larger volumes of local anaesthetic.\n\nThe use of ultrasound has allowed reductions in the volume of local anaesthetic used in nerve blocks, while maintaining efficacy and reducing side-effects. The aim of this study is to describe the anatomy of the supraclavicular nerve and to describe the spread of small fluid volumes deposited adjacent to the supraclavicular nerve using ultrasound-guidance in cadavers. \n\nThe results of this study could be used to guide clinical practice, and encourage the use of regional block for shoulder surgery without the need for general anaesthesia in other centres.\n
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0495
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion