Ultrasound-Guided Retroclavicular Approach to the Infraclavicular Region (RAPTIR) Brachial Plexus Block for Anterior...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Regional Anesthesia
• Musculoskeletal Injuries

Background:

• Anterior shoulder dislocations are common emergency department (ED) presentations requiring analgesia for reduction.
• Traditional analgesia includes oral/parenteral medications, procedural sedation, or interscalene/supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks.
• Limited literature exists on ultrasound-guided retroclavicular approach to the infraclavicular region (RAPTIR) brachial plexus blocks for shoulder reduction.

Observation:

• Three patients with anterior shoulder dislocations presented to the ED.
• Ultrasound-guided RAPTIR brachial plexus block was performed for each patient.
• Effective analgesia and successful shoulder reduction were achieved in all cases.

Findings:

• The RAPTIR block provided effective pain relief for shoulder dislocation reduction.
• Successful reduction was facilitated by the analgesia from the RAPTIR block.
• No adverse events were reported in the observed cases.

Implications:

• The RAPTIR block is a safe and effective analgesic option for anterior shoulder dislocations in the ED.
• This technique may offer advantages over other brachial plexus blocks.
• It provides an alternative to procedural sedation and opioids, potentially reducing associated risks.