Brachial Plexus Block

Brachial plexus block is a regional anesthesia technique sometimes used as an alternative or an adjunct to general anesthesia for surgery of the upper extremity. It involves injecting local anesthetic agents in close proximity to the brachial plexus, temporarily blocking sensation and the ability to move the upper extremity, and the patient can remain awake during the ensuing surgery or be sedated or fully anesthetized if necessary. Several techniques exist for blocking the nerves of the brachial plexus, classified by the level at which the needle or catheter is inserted to inject the local anesthetic: the interscalene block on the neck, considered to provide the second most complete postoperative analgesia, the supraclavicular block immediately above the clavicle, the infraclavicular block below the clavicle, and the axillary block in the armpit.