Shoulder position influences the location of the musculocutaneous nerve in the axillary fossa.

In the axillary fossa, the musculocutaneous nerve (MC) is generally distant from the axillary artery and from the other brachial plexus nerves. In that way, MC requires a specific block. We observed that the location of MC is influenced by the position of the patient's arm and shoulder.

Evaluation of a new disinfection method for ultrasound probes used for regional anesthesia: ultraviolet C light.

Objectives: Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is commonly used for block placement. At present, the risk of cross contamination from probes is not well documented. To avoid transmission of infectious agents, several methods have been used for probe disinfection and protection.

Comfort of the patient during axillary blocks placement: a randomized comparison of the neurostimulation and the ultrasound guidance techniques.

Background: Axillary brachial plexus block under neurostimulation is commonly used for upper limb surgery, but it is sometimes recognized as an uncomfortable technique, with most patients identifying electrical stimulation as an unpleasant moment. Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, which becomes an increasingly popular technique, does not require electrical stimulation and then should theoretically improve axillary block placement comfort. The aim of this study was to compare the comfort of the patients during axillary block placement with neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance using either the out-of-plane or the in-plane approach.

Spread of injectate associated with radial or median nerve-type motor response during infraclavicular brachial-plexus block: an ultrasound evaluation.

Background And Objectives: We have compared ultrasound characteristics of spread during infraclavicular brachial-plexus blocks by use of electrically evoked radial-nerve- or median-nerve-type distal motor responses to guide the injection of 30 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine.

Methods: Consecutive patients who required surgery distal to the upper arm were prospectively included in this study.

Single-stimulation, low-volume infraclavicular plexus block: influence of the evoked distal motor response on success rate.

Background And Objectives: We compared the success rate of single-injection infraclavicular plexus block by using electrically evoked radial, ulnar, or median nerve-type distal motor response to guide the injection of local anesthetic.

Methods: Consecutive patients requiring surgery distal to the upper arm were prospectively included in this study over a 6-month period. No search for predetermined distal motor responses was performed.