Background and objectives: Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) is a well-established technique in anaesthetic practice in upper limb surgeries and with the help of ultrasound, as a guidance tool, has redefined the success rate. The aim of present study was to compare the conventional lower ISBPB technique taken from NYSORA by eliciting paraesthesia with the US guided ISBPBin upper limb orthopaedic surgeries in terms of time taken for the procedure, drug dosages, onset of sensory and motor blockade, grades of blockade, quality of the block, success rate and any complication. Methods: After approval by the research ethics committee and written informed valid consent of the patients the proposed study was carried out in fifty ASA I and ASA II patients, aged between 18 and 60 years of either sex, undergoing unilateral upper limborthopaedic surgery at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. The study was conducted in a controlled prospective randomized manner divided in 25 patients in each group. In group C once the appropriate paraesthesia of the brachial plexus was elicited 35ml of LA (inj. Bupivacaine 0.5% 17.5cc+ inj.lignocaine 2% with adrenaline 17.5cc) was injected and ingroup US 20cc of LA (Injection bupivacaine 0.5% 10cc + lignocaine 2% with adrenaline 10cc) was injected. Sensory and motor blockade were assessed. At the end of the procedure, quality of block was assessed. Patients were followed up for the next 24h for any complication. Results: Time taken for giving block and onset time for complete sensory and motor block was less in ultrasound guided group than conventional group.US guided block also has less failure rate and complications. Conclusion: Ultrasound is safe and effective means of performing ISBPB with less time and more success rate.
