Efficacy of tramadol versus dexamethasone in ultrasound guided supraclavicular block for forearm fractures. Does it make a difference?

ABSTRACT Background Application of supraclavicular block generally comprises elbow, forearm, and hand surgery. Tramadol and dexamethasone were tested and compared in the current study as adjuvants to levobupivacaine in the supraclavicular block. Patients and Methods 60 ASA Grade I and II patients of either sex, older than 18, participated in the current study. Two groups of patients were created: Group D (n = 30), who received 30 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 2 ml of dexamethasone (8 mg). 30 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 2 ml of 5% tramadol (100 mg) were given to Group T (n = 30). Statistics were used to compare the two groups. Results The tramadol group required substantially less time (13.4 ± 2.6 h) than the dexamethasone group (15.3 ± 2.8 h) for the first rescue analgesia request (P-value = 0.009). Within the first 24 hours following surgery, the mean total dose of rescue analgesia was considerably lower in group D (36 ± 12.2 mg) than in group T (44 ± 15.2 mg, P-value = 0.029). Group D had no side effects and considerably higher patient satisfaction (P = 0.042). Conclusion When levobupivacaine was used with dexamethasone in a supraclavicular brachial plexus block for forearm fractures, it worked better as an adjuvant than tramadol. Sensory and motor blockage, a quicker onset and longer duration of analgesia, and higher satisfaction levels were all present.