An Overview on Brachial Plexus Anesthesia
Abstract
Brachial plexus anesthesia represents a cornerstone in regional anesthesia for upper limb surgeries, offering effective analgesia while avoiding the systemic complications associated with general anesthesia. Various approaches to brachial plexus blockade, including interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary techniques, allow tailored anesthesia depending on the surgical site. Recent advances, particularly the use of ultrasound guidance, have significantly improved the safety, precision, and success rates of these blocks. Additionally, newer techniques such as the clavipectoral fascia block and cervical plexus block have expanded the scope of regional anesthesia for clavicular and neck procedures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of brachial plexus anesthesia techniques, their anatomical considerations, clinical applications, advantages, and potential complications, with a focus on ultrasound-guided approaches and emerging regional blocks.