NCT07418086

Supraclavicular Block vs Bier's Block for Forearm Trauma Surgery

Comparative Study of Supraclavicular Block and Bier's Block in Forearm Surgery in Trauma Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 66 (actual)
• Sponsor: Sargodha Medical College · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study compared two common anesthesia techniques used for forearm trauma surgery-Bier's block and the supraclavicular block-to determine which provides better surgical conditions and patient comfort. Among the 66 patients studied, Bier's block produced a much faster onset of numbness and muscle relaxation, but its pain relief wore off quickly. In contrast, the supraclavicular block took longer to take effect but provided significantly longer-lasting postoperative pain relief and greater overall patient comfort, making it more suitable for trauma cases where prolonged anesthesia and smoother recovery are needed. Overall, the study found the supraclavicular block to be the more effective and patient-friendly option for forearm surgeries.

Detailed description

Forearm trauma surgery commonly requires regional anesthesia to provide surgical conditions and postoperative pain relief. Two widely used techniques are Bier's block (intravenous regional anesthesia) and the supraclavicular brachial plexus block, but limited evidence exists comparing their performance specifically in trauma patients. This randomized controlled trial evaluates these two approaches to determine differences in onset of sensory and motor block, duration of postoperative analgesia, and patient comfort. Bier's block is known for its simplicity and rapid onset but is limited by tourniquet pain and a short duration of analgesia once the tourniquet is released. In contrast, the supraclavicular block provides dense anesthesia of the upper limb with the potential for longer postoperative pain relief, especially when performed under ultrasound guidance. In this study, 66 adult patients undergoing forearm surgery were randomized to receive either Bier's block or supraclavicular block using standardized techniques. An independent observer assessed block onset and recovery characteristics, and patient comfort was recorded using validated scales. The goal of this study is to generate evidence that may guide anesthetic selection for forearm trauma cases by identifying which block technique offers better perioperative performance and enhances postoperative pain control while avoiding unnecessary duplication of data reported in other fields of the trial record.

Conditions

• Forearm Fractures

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Bier's Block (IVRA)	Participants received an intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier's block). After placement of an IV line in the distal operative limb, the limb was exsanguinated with an Esmarch bandage and a double-cuff tourniquet was applied. The proximal cuff was inflated 50-100 mmHg above systolic pressure, followed by injection of 30 mL of 0.5% lidocaine through the IV. The distal cuff was inflated after 20-30 minutes or if tourniquet discomfort occurred. This technique produced regional anesthesia for forearm surgery.
PROCEDURE	Supraclavicular Block	Participants received an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Premedication included midazolam (1 mg IV) and nalbuphine (0.1 mg/kg IV). A total of 30 mL local anesthetic was injected using a two-point needle technique under real-time ultrasound visualization. After block establishment, a single tourniquet was applied at 100 mmHg above systolic pressure for the surgical procedure.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-04-01
• Primary completion: 2024-01-01
• Completion: 2024-02-01
• First posted: 2026-02-18
• Last updated: 2026-02-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan