Critical structures in the needle path of the costoclavicular brachial plexus block: a cadaver study

The costoclavicular block is a relatively novel alternative to the infraclavicular block. We aimed to determine the anatomical structures vulnerable to needle injury during a costoclavicular block.

The needle path consistent with a costoclavicular block approach was performed bilaterally on four lightly embalmed cadavers using ultrasound guidance. Careful dissection was performed with 18-G Tuohy needles in situ and photographs were taken.

The needle penetrated the deltoid in six of eight cases and the pectoralis minor in three of eight cases. The subclavius tendon or its fascia were punctured in two of eight cases. The lateral cord was in contact with the needle in six procedures and punctured in three. The posterior cord was contacted in two instances, and the medial cord in one. In a single dissection, the needle was in contact with the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. The needle was close to the medial brachial cutaneous nerve in one case and close to the pectoral nerves in two of eight cases. While the cephalic vein and thoracoacromial artery were consistently nearby, there were no cases of vascular puncture.

We found that the needle path may be close to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, medial brachial cutaneous nerve, and pectoral nerves but did not traverse any critical structures aside from the lateral cord. This suggests relative safety when compared with other approaches to the infraclavicular brachial plexus. Structures dans la trajectoire de l'aiguille du bloc de plexus brachial costoclaviculaire : une étude cadavérique.