Clavipectoral fascia plane block in midshaft clavicle fractures: A cadaveric study

The objective of this anatomical study was to investigate the distribution of a solution administered using the Clavipectoral Fascia Plane Block (CPB) technique in a series of cadaveric models with midshaft clavicular fractures. The study aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding the impact of clavicular fractures on the distribution pattern of the CPB-administered solution.

Observational cadaveric study.

The research was conducted in the laboratory setting of the University of Barcelona, adhering to the institution's ethical guidelines and standards.

Five unembalmed human cadavers were used, generating ten clavicle samples.

A postmortem fracture was induced in the middle third of the clavicle using a blunt-edged hammer, simulating a midshaft clavicular fracture.

Anatomical dissection was performed in three layers: the superficial muscle plane, deep muscle plane, and clavicular periosteum plane. Dye staining with methylene blue was utilized to assess the distribution pattern.

In the superficial muscular plane, methylene blue was observed in the deltoid (100%), pectoralis major (100%), sternocleidomastoid (SCM) (70%), and trapezius muscles (100%). Conversely, the deep muscular plane, including the subclavius muscle, pectoralis minor, and Clavipectoral Fascia (CPF), exhibited no staining. At the clavicular periosteum plane, methylene blue distributed predominantly to the antero-superior region (57.3%), with a minimal impact on the postero-inferior area (6.5%).

The study reveals that the presence of a midshaft clavicular fracture does not significantly alter the diffusion pattern of the CPB-administered solution, maintaining a consistent distribution in both intact and fractured clavicle models.