Interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery in a patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

A five-year-old child with severe arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and malnutrition underwent surgery for chronic osteomyelitis of the head of the left humerus. The child had typical features of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, including a difficult airway. Propofol was used for induction and maintenance. Spontaneous respiration was maintained with a nasal airway. Analgesia was provided with an interscalene brachial plexus block placed using a nerve stimulator. No opioid was given. The child had an uneventful recovery with good postoperative analgesia. The anaesthetic implications of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita are discussed.