Clavipectoral fascia plane block in midshaft clavicle fractures: A cadaveric study.

Study Objective: The objective of this anatomical study was to investigate the distribution of a solution administered using the Clavipectoral Fascia Plane Block (CPB) technique in a series of cadaveric models with midshaft clavicular fractures. The study aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding the impact of clavicular fractures on the distribution pattern of the CPB-administered solution.

Design: Observational cadaveric study.

Setting: The research was conducted in the laboratory setting of the University of Barcelona, adhering to the institution's ethical guidelines and standards.

Patients: Five unembalmed human cadavers were used, generating ten clavicle samples.

Interventions: A postmortem fracture was induced in the middle third of the clavicle using a blunt-edged hammer, simulating a midshaft clavicular fracture.

Measurements: Anatomical dissection was performed in three layers: the superficial muscle plane, deep muscle plane, and clavicular periosteum plane. Dye staining with methylene blue was utilized to assess the distribution pattern.

Main Results: In the superficial muscular plane, methylene blue was observed in the deltoid (100%), pectoralis major (100%), sternocleidomastoid (SCM) (70%), and trapezius muscles (100%). Conversely, the deep muscular plane, including the subclavius muscle, pectoralis minor, and Clavipectoral Fascia (CPF), exhibited no staining. At the clavicular periosteum plane, methylene blue distributed predominantly to the antero-superior region (57.3%), with a minimal impact on the postero-inferior area (6.5%).

Conclusions: The study reveals that the presence of a midshaft clavicular fracture does not significantly alter the diffusion pattern of the CPB-administered solution, maintaining a consistent distribution in both intact and fractured clavicle models.