Midhumeral block

Published on 27/02/2015 by admin

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Last modified 27/02/2015

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CHAPTER 20 Midhumeral block

Sonoanatomy

At the humeral canal level, the four main branches of the brachial plexus, the radial, the ulnar, the median, and the musculocutaneous nerves, are anatomically separated from each other. The relation to blood vessels is less variable than at the axillary level. These characteristics favor nerve identification and selective injection under ultrasound guidance. The nerves of the brachial plexus do not appear together on the same ultrasound screen at the level of the humeral canal. Consequently, blockade of these nerves with the classical single point of puncture is technically difficult.

Ultrasound examinations of the brachial plexus through the humeral canal show that ulnar and median nerves are located superficially under the skin. The radial nerve, located beside the humerus, is the most dorsally located nerve of the plexus. The musculocutaneous nerve is situated midway between these two nerves. Images obtained from ultrasound examinations of the brachial plexus through the humeral canal can be illustrated on a graphical synthesis and can be divided into two compartments (Fig. 20.2). A superficial and a dorsal nerve can be found within each compartment. Median and musculocutaneous nerves are located inside the cephalic compartment, whereas the musculocutaneous nerve is located dorsally. Ulnar and radial nerves are located inside the caudal compartment; the radial nerve is located dorsally.

Nerves in the midhumeral region have mixed echogenicity (honeycomb appearance with a mixture of hypoechoic nerve fascicles and hyperechoic connective tissues). The nerves are round or oval. Move the transducer towards the axilla and distally towards the elbow to appreciate the course of each nerve.