Double-injection method using peripheral nerve stimulator is superior to single injection in axillary plexus block

Background and Objectives. Axillary block using a single-injection method d oes not always provide effective analgesia. This study examined whether a d ouble axillary block injection technique is superior to a single injection axillary block. Methods. Fifty patients were randomly allocated to two grou ps. In group 1 (single injection), the whole volume of local anesthetic (0. 7 mL/kg) was injected after locating only one of the median, radial, or uln ar nerves. In group 2 (double injection), half of the volume was injected a fter locating one nerve and the other half after locating another periphera l nerve. Bupivacaine 0.5% and prilocaine 1% (1:1 volumes) were used as loca l anesthestic. A peripheral nerve stimulator was used to identify the nerve s. Sensory block of seven nerves and motor block of four nerves were tested after 40 minutes. Results. Complete sensory and motor block (scores 2 or 3 on scale 0-3) in all four main nerves (median, ulnar, radial, musculocutan ceous) was achieved in 3 (12%) versus 20 (80%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .000001). Primary success rate (no need for supplemental nerve block) was 52% in group 1 and 92% in group 2 (P = .0016). Conclusions . A double-injection method in axillary block provides excellent analgesia and motor block compared with a single-injection method. Moreover, the need for supplemental nerve blocks is significantly decreased.