Ultrasound-Guided Costoclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Elbow Surgery in a Polytrauma Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Upper limb surgery is best performed under brachial plexus blocks which provide effective analgesia with less or minimal systemic complications than general anaesthesia. This study discusses the management of a complex distal humeral fracture with an open segment in a polytrauma patient with costoclavicular brachial plexus ultrasound-guided block for an elbow operation. This technique afforded good anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia with less respiratory embarrassment as would be seen in trauma patients on general anaesthesia. Our findings confirm the safety and effectiveness of the costoclavicular approach and recommend its recommendation as a method of first choice in such difficult situations when the system can be affected.

Keywords: elbow fracture, peripheral nerve block, polytrauma management, postoperative analgesia, regional anesthesia, ultrasound guidance