Effects of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Nerve Blocks on the Hand and Forearm

Completed

• Conditions: Shoulder Surgery; Interscalene Nerve Block
• Interventions: Procedure: Interscalene Nerve Block

• Registration Number: NCT01229683
• Lead Sponsor: University of California, San Diego

Brief Summary

Research study to determine the proportion of cases in which an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block produces hand and forearm anesthesia.

Detailed Description

This is a research study to prospectively determine the proportion of cases in which an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block produces hand and forearm anesthesia. The investigators will investigate this issue in patients having shoulder and not hand/forearm surgery. We will test hand grip strength and sensation to determine if the hand and forearm are responding to the anesthesia.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2010-10
• Study First Submitted: 2010-10-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-10-27
• Study First Posted: 2010-10-28
• Primary Completion: 2011-08
• Status Verified: 2012-03
• Study Completion: 2012-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-03-06
• Last Update Posted: 2012-03-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 62

Inclusion Criteria

• 18 years of age or older
• unilateral orthopedic shoulder surgery
• already desiring an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block for postoperative analgesia with the anesthetic plan including a preoperative interscalene nerve block with mepivacaine

Exclusion Criteria

• any known contraindication to study medications or testing hand grip strength pre/post-op
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• neuropathy of any etiology in the affected extremity
• any anticipated incision site apart from the shoulder
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Incarceration
• inability to communicate with the investigators and hospital staff

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Shoulder Surgery	Interscalene Nerve Block	Patients will be given an interscalene nerve block and then strength and sensation of the hand and forearm will be tested to determine if the block is helping to anesthetize these areas.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UCSD Medical Centers (Hillcrest and Thornton); 🇺🇸 San Diego, California, United States