The incidence of neurovascular complications following axillary brachial plexus block using a transarterial approach. A prospective study of 1,000 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed at the Crystal Clinic Surgery Center, an outpatient free-standing surgicenter specializing in orthopedic surgery, to determine the incidence of both neurologic and vascular sequelae associated with exclusive use of a transarterial approach to axillary brachial plexus block in order to assess the technique's safety and efficacy.

METHODS: The prospective consecutive study involved 1,000 adult patients scheduled for surgery using axillary brachial plexus block. The transarterial approach was performed on all patients using a medium-bevel 24-gauge Jelco 1-5-inch needle. Data tabulated included the incidence of neurovascular complications and the outcome of successful axillary brachial plexus anesthesia.

RESULTS: Two patients presented with a sensory paresthesia (0.2%) in the distribution of the ulnar nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve that most likely occurred during supplementation of an incomplete block. Three patients presented with upper-arm myalgias (0.3%) related to tourniquet injury. After the operation, two patients developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which responded to stellate ganglion blocks. Vascular complications, including transient arterial spasm in 10 of 996 (1%), unintentional intravascular injection in 2 of 996 (0.2%), and small (0-2 cm) hematoma formation in 2 of 996 (0.2%), were recognized but did not require any intervention other than close observation. The study revealed a complete block in 88.8% of cases, an incomplete block requiring supplemental local anesthesia in 10% of cases, and a complete block failure in 1.2%.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the transarterial technique in achieving brachial plexus block.