title: Ultrasound-guided block of the suprascapular nerve - a volunteer study of a new proximal approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The standard approach for the suprascapular nerve block is deep in the supraspinous fossa. However, with this approach, the suprascapular nerve is difficult to visualize by ultrasound. The aim of this study was to describe a new method to visualize and selectively block the suprascapular nerve in a more superficial and proximal location.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve healthy volunteers were included. We located the brachial plexus in transverse section with ultrasound, and by longitudinal slide, we identified the departure of the suprascapular nerve from the superior trunk. The suprascapular nerve was followed under ultrasound visualization into the subclavian triangle under the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle. We performed in-plane ultrasound-guided selective suprascapular nerve block by injecting 1 ml of lidocaine, 20 mg/ml close to the nerve. Nerve identification was aided by nerve stimulation. We assessed sensory and motor block of the suprascapular, axillary, radial, median, and ulnar nerves before, 15 and 30 min after performing the block.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight volunteers demonstrated a selective suprascapular nerve block. Three had block failure and one volunteer did not receive the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We describe a new ultrasound-guided low-volume local anaesthetic technique to selectively block the suprascapular nerve. The potential clinical role of this new approach remains to be determined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, Nordsjaellands Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hillerød, Denmark.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rothe
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Steen-Hansen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lund
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Jenstrup
authors.forename: K H W
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lange
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012782:Shoulder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine