Costoclavicular block for distal radius open reduction and internal fixation.

Abstract

Interscalene and supraclavicular brachial plexus nerve blocks are routinely used for upper extremity surgeries, although they carry the risk of phrenic nerve involvement, which can lead to diaphragmatic paralysis. The costoclavicular block is a newer block that may mitigate the risk of this complication while providing similar coverage. Our case involves a patient who presented with a displaced distal radius fracture. He received a preoperative single-shot costoclavicular nerve block before undergoing a distal radius open reduction and internal fixation. The patient did not require any opioids or other pain medications intraoperatively or postoperatively in the post-anesthesia care unit. This case supports the utility of using a costoclavicular nerve block for upper extremity surgeries.