Brief report: identification of the great auricular nerve by ultrasound imaging and transcutaneous nerve stimulation.

Superficial cervical plexus neuropathy after interscalene brachial plexus block affects about 8% of patients postoperatively. One of the nerves involved in superficial cervical plexus neuropathy is the great auricular nerve. We report success in identification of the great auricular nerve with ultrasound and transcutaneous nerve stimulation in a clinical setting in the majority of cases (95% lower confidence limit 63%).

Superficial cervical plexus neuropathy after single-injection interscalene brachial plexus block.

Background: Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) using the modified lateral approach provides a well-established method of anesthesia and analgesia for patients undergoing shoulder surgery. Considering the neural anatomy at the site of injection, the superficial cervical plexus may be at risk of injury. We evaluated the incidence and characteristics of superficial cervical plexus neuropathy.