Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures under the Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block Performed by Surgeons

Background: The upper limb surgery under the ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block is becoming popular due to its safety, effectiveness, and convenience. However, the uneven distribution of anesthesiologists become a social problem. Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block by surgeons has been widespread especially in hand surgeons. We report the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures under the ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block performed by surgeons in our hospital. Methods: The subjects were 101 patients (41 males and 60 females, average age 61.6 years) who underwent surgery for distal radius fractures under ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block administered by orthopedists at our university or related facilities between January 2014 and June 2016. Brachial plexus block was administered through the supraclavicular approach. The time from initiation of anesthesia to initiation of surgery, mean operative time, the presence or absence of additional anesthesia (local infiltration anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia, and general anesthesia), and complications were evaluated. Results: The mean time from brachial plexus block to initiation of surgery was 35.7 (20–68) minutes, and the mean operative time was 90.5 (35–217) minutes. Surgery was completed with brachial plexus block alone in 62 patients (61.4%), and additional anesthesia was necessary in 39 patients (38.6%). Furthermore, general anesthesia was employed in 6 patients (5.9%). No serious complications occurred. Conclusions: According to our results, the operation could be completed with brachial plexus block alone and additional local infiltration anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia in 94.1% (95 cases). However, 6 cases (5.9%) shifted to general anesthesia. Although it needs training, we consider that hand surgery including distal radius fractures treatment under the ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block is possible. On the other hand, cooperation or a cooperative system with anesthesiologists is necessary for surgeons to administer this anesthesia.