Ultrasound-Guided Interscalene and Superficial Cervical Plexus Blocks Versus General Anaesthesia for Clavicular Fixation

Background: Clavicular fractures, especially midshaft types, often require fixation, traditionally done under general anaesthesia (GA).However, ultrasound-guided interscalene and superficial cervical plexus blocks now offer a safer, targeted alternative with fewer complications and faster recovery.This study compares both methods in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction during clavicular fixation.Methods: This prospective, comparative interventional study conducted in our hospital during the period of one year, enrolled 90 patients aged 16-65 years with ASA physical status I-III and normal pulmonary function.Participants were randomized into two equal groups: one received general anaesthesia and the other, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks.Preoperative assessments and intraoperative monitoring were performed.Postoperative pain and analgesia duration were evaluated, with data analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: Patients in Group B, who received regional anaesthesia, experienced lower opioid needs and VAS pain scores from T0 to T12.In fact, every patient in this group reported a score of 0 for pain relief requirements up to 12 hours after surgery (p<0.01).Additionally, Group B had a quicker recovery, reflected in their higher Modified Aldrete Scores at T2 (8 compared to 7; p<0.01).Group B showed better haemodynamic and respiratory stability, with lower heart rates, stable mean arterial pressure (MAP), and consistently high oxygen saturation (SpO) levels throughout the postoperative period. Conclusion:The study concludes that ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block combined with superficial cervical plexus block (Group B) provides significantly superior postoperative analgesia compared to general anaesthesia (Group A) in patients undergoing clavicle surgery.