The extent of blockade following axillary, supraclavicular, and interscalene approaches of brachial plexus block

Aim: To investigate the onset, quality, and extent of the sensory and motor blocks in brachial plexus blocks performed through axillary, supraclavicular, or interscalene approaches. Materials and methods: This study involved 75 patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery of the upper extremity. Brachial plexus block was performed in patients through axillary (group AX, n = 25), supraclavicular (group SC, n = 25), or interscalene (group IS, n = 25) approaches. Results: Excluding intercostobrachial nerve, the adequate sensory and motor block rates in group AX on the nerves of brachial plexus were found to be 100% and 92%-100%, respectively. Sensory and motor block rates were both found to be 96%-100% in group SC and also 80%100%, and 88% in group IS, respectively. In terms of sensory and motor block evaluation of all the nerves, there were statistically significant differences among the 3 groups at all measurement times (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The onset, quality, and extent of the sensory and motor block in brachial plexus blocks changed depending on the axillary, supraclavicular, or interscalene approaches.