Multiple point injection for axillary brachial plexus block: A comparison of two methods of nerve localization nerve stimulation versus paresthesia

AIM: To compare the onset time and the success rate of a multiple point injection for axillary brachial plexus block performed by using two methods of nerve localization: paresthesia elicitation or nerve stimulation. METHODS: Each of the major nerves of the plexus was located by elicitation of a paresthesia (Group PAR; n = 48) or by nerve stimulation (Group PNS; n =48) and injected with 8 mL of local anesthetic solution. Time of blocking, onset, beginning of surgery and total anesthetic period was recorded respectively. RESULTS: The time recorded in Group PNS was significantly shorter than that in Group PAR (91% vs 76%; P 0.05) and the success rate for anesthetizing the radial and the musculocutaneous nerves in Group PNS was higher in Group PNS ( P 0.05). The rate of venous puncture was higher in Group PAR ( P 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nerve stimulation is a better than paresthesia elicitation for axillary brachial plexus block.