This single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial investigates the effects of adding 4 mg dexamethasone to different concentrations of bupivacaine on motor and sensory block duration in infraclavicular brachial plexus block. A total of 120 ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 undergoing elective surgeries of the hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow will be randomly assigned to one of four groups:
Group 1: 25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. Group 2: 25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with 4 mg dexamethasone. Group 3: 25 mL of 0.375% bupivacaine with 4 mg dexamethasone. Group 4: 25 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine with 4 mg dexamethasone. The infraclavicular block will be performed using a lateral sagittal approach under ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance. Primary outcomes include the duration of motor and sensory block, assessed with a motor block scale and pin-prick sensory test. Secondary outcomes include block onset times, postoperative pain scores (Visual Analog Scale), total analgesic consumption within 48 hours, time to first postoperative analgesic, and rates of rescue block or conversion to general anesthesia.
This study aims to evaluate whether combining dexamethasone with lower concentrations of bupivacaine can maintain block efficacy while reducing local anesthetic dosage, potentially improving the safety and effectiveness of peripheral nerve block protocols.