Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant in Supraclavicular Block

Acute postoperative pain can be effectively controlled with the use of peripheral nerve blocks. Use of additives further prolongs the duration of analgesia For upper limb surgeries below shoulder joint, the brachial plexus block using supraclavicular approach introduced by Kulenkampff has gained popularity. Supraclavicular approach to brachial plexus block is useful for procedures done at or below the level of elbow. This technique involves the deposition of local anesthetic near the brachial plexus approached from immediately above the clavicle. Brachial plexus is formed by ventral rami of C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1 which forms the roots.These then continue distally to form trunks, divisions, cords,and branches Local anesthetics used alone in supraclavicular block provide analgesia for 4-8 h. The use of dexamethasone perineurally along with local anesthetic has been shown to improve the duration of analgesia. Intravenous dexamethasone is also useful in attenuating the postoperative need for analgesics in different clinical settings even in the absence of any nerve blocks. Hence, it is logical to compare the duration of analgesia with the use of dexamethasone in the setting of supraclavicular brachial plexus block, dexamethasone given either perineurally or intravenously.