Clavicle fractures are less commonly managed under regional anesthesia.
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Regional anesthesia can be used as a safe anesthetic technique for clavicle surgery.
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It has better postoperative analgesia and fewer postoperative complications.
Abstract
Introduction
Clavicle fractures are less commonly managed under regional anesthesia compared to general anesthesia. The study highlights the advantage of regional anesthesia in reducing the risk of aerosol generation and viral transmission during the times of COVID-19 and avoiding the complications associated with general anesthesia.
Presentation of case
We report a case of 42 years old COVID-19 positive male with a left clavicle fracture due to a fall from a tree, who was managed under regional anesthesia with open reduction and internal fixation. A combination of interscalene brachial plexus and superficial cervical plexus block was performed.
Discussion
The dual innervation of the clavicle makes combined interscalene brachial plexus and superficial cervical plexus block an effective method of anesthesia for clavicle surgery. It provides better analgesia, has fewer postoperative complications, less infection transmission via aerosol, and earlier hospital discharge as compared to general anesthesia.
Conclusion
Ultrasound-guided combined interscalene brachial plexus and superficial cervical plexus block can be used as a safe anesthetic technique in clavicle surgery.
