[Axillary brachial plexus block. Anatomical investigations to improve radial nerve block]

The axillary brachial plexus block is a very safe, but sometimes unreliable technique for anaesthesia of the upper extremities. Alternative methods like the infraclavicular block offer a higher success rate, but also the possibility of severe complications. We suggest a modified axillary technique with an injection site medial to the artery, evaluated by clinical experience and anatomical investigations, which could solve the problem of high failure rate, especially in the area of the radial nerve while still maintaining patient safety.