Nerve injury complicating ultrasound/electrostimulation-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.
OBJECTIVE
Neurologic complications after peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) are relatively uncommon. It has been postulated that real-time, needle-nerve visualization during ultrasound guided PNBs might further reduce the risk of neurologic or vascular complications.


METHODS
In this report, we describe the occurrence of a severe brachial plexus injury after combined ultrasound and nerve stimulator-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound guidance should not preclude development of additional monitoring and protocols to decrease the risk of complications with PNBs.
Reiss
Wojciech
W
Department of Anesthesiology, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY 10025, USA.
Kurapati
Sushmitha
S
Shariat
Ali
A
Hadzic
Admir
A
D000368:Aged; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013933:Thumb / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine