Ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus plexus block. Part 1--basic sonoanatomy

Area of Science:

• Regional Anesthesia
• Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
• Anatomy

Background:

• The axillary brachial plexus block is a widely adopted anesthetic technique.
• It provides effective analgesia for the distal arm, elbow, forearm, and hand.
• This block is suitable for numerous upper limb orthopedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the anatomical fundamentals of the axillary brachial plexus.
• To provide essential sonoanatomic knowledge for ultrasound-guided axillary block.
• To highlight the safety and versatility of the axillary approach.

Main Methods:

• Review of anatomical structures in the axillary region.
• Discussion of ultrasound-guided technique for axillary block.
• Emphasis on visualization of nerves, needle, and anesthetic spread.

Main Results:

• The brachial plexus is superficially located in the axillary region, facilitating visualization.
• Ultrasound with a high-frequency linear probe provides excellent image quality.
• The axillary approach has a high safety profile due to the limited risk of damaging critical structures.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block is a safe and effective technique.
• Its superficial anatomy and clear visualization make it ideal for learning regional anesthesia.
• This approach is highly recommended for procedures involving the distal upper limb.