INFRACLAVICULAR BLOCK
Author: Valeria Mossetti

1. Indications
Infraclavicular block provides anaesthesia and analgesia for surgery on humerus,
elbow, forearm and hand.

2. Contraindications
Local infection

3. Anatomy
In the infraclavicular plane the cords of the brachial plexus surround the axillary
artery and lie medial to the coracoid process of the scapula; the lateral cord is
cephalad and lateral to the artery, the posterior cord is posterior to the artery, and the
middle cord posterior and medial to the artery. The axillary vein lies medial to the
artery.

4. Technique
The patient lies supine with shoulders in neutral position and the arm first lying at
the side, then abducted and flexed at the elbow.
Use a linear high-frequency probe with 10-12 MHz. For smaller patients, if possible,
use a small footprint linear probe (25 mm). If required, identify the nerves using the
nerve stimulator: common response to neurostimulator is the forearm and hand
contraction.

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