Pneumothorax after ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block: presenting features, risk, and related training.
OBJECTIVE
Presenting features and estimate of risk of pneumothorax after ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block are discussed, along with related training strategies.


METHODS
We describe a case of a patient with pneumothorax after an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block for hand surgery. The delayed onset of pain initially on the nonoperative side combined with the absence of respiratory symptoms delayed recognition of the pneumothorax.


CONCLUSIONS
We estimate the risk of pneumothorax to be 0.4 per 1000 after ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block. We recommend specific training strategies for needle visualization for this technique to reduce the risk of pneumothorax.
From the *Department of Anaesthesia, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne; and †Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Daniel J
DJ
Abell
Michael J
MJ
Barrington
D000368:Aged; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects*