Optimization of Catheter Insertion Site for Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Upper-extremity Surgery, Post-operative Pain
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Upper-extremity Surgery focused on measuring Pain, surgery, catheter, nerve block, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, UCSD, moderate-to-severe pain, Supraclavicular catheter, Infraclavicular catheter
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years of age or older
- unilateral, upper (at or distal to the elbow) extremity orthopedic surgery with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain expected
- patients already agree to and want a continuous brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia
Exclusion Criteria:
- patients who have difficulty understanding the study protocol or caring for the infusion pump/catheter system
- patients who have any known contraindication to study medications
- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- neuropathy of any etiology in the affected extremity
- contraindication to regional blockade (e.g. clotting deficiency)
- any known acute or chronic hepatic or renal insufficiency or failure
- any incision site outside of the catheter-effected area
- chronic opioid use
- history of opioid abuse
- obesity
- pregnancy
- incarceration
- inability to communicate with the investigators and hospital staff
Sites / Locations
- UCSD Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
1. Supraclavicular
2. Infraclavicular
Patients will be randomized to placement of a nerve block in the supraclavicular position. After the catheter has been placed, sensory and motor deficit will be assessed and following surgery, for the next three days, the patient will be contacted by research staff to assess pain scores and other outcome measures.
Patients will be randomized to placement of a nerve block in the infraclavicular position. After the catheter has been placed, sensory and motor deficit will be assessed and following surgery, for the next three days, the patient will be contacted by research staff to assess pain scores and other outcome measures.