Clavipectoral fascial plane block for clavicle fracture surgery: A case report

Regional anaesthesia can be an attractive alternative anaesthetic approach in clavicle surgery, but it requires the peripheral block of multiple cervical and brachial nerves that transmit nociceptive information. Deep cervical plexus blocks, as paravertebral nerve block, can lead to severe side effects, such as unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.

A 66-year-old male patient, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III, was scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation of the right clavicle with plates and screws after a high-energy trauma. Pre-anaesthetic evaluation revealed right hemopneumothorax and bilateral rib fractures. We decided to perform regional anaesthesia (superficial cervical plexus block and clavipectoral fascial plane block), combined with dexmedetomidine perfusion to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation and prevent additional pulmonary complications. The surgical procedure was successfully completed without any further anaesthesia requirements. The patient remained comfortable during the postoperative period.

Regional anaesthesia for clavicle surgeries has the advantage of promoting non-opioid free anaesthesia. Effective pain control enhances patient satisfaction and reduces the length of stay in hospital. In our case report, a combined superficial cervical plexus block and clavipectoral fascial plane block was a safe and effective regional anaesthetic approach.