Supraclavicular versus infraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Clavicular brachial plexus blocks are a popular method to provide analgesia in upper limb surgery. Two common approaches include the infraclavicular (IC) and supraclavicular (SC) blocks. These two techniques have been compared previously; however, it is still being determined from the current literature whether one should be favoured.

A search was performed on the following databases: Ovid Medline, EMBASE and the Web of Science from inception until 30.04.2023. All RCTs comparing SC and IC approaches in upper limb orthopaedic surgery were included. The primary outcome was block success rate.

Eighteen RCTs comprising 1389 patients were included. The success rate of IC blocks was higher than SC blocks, odds ratio 0.61 (95% CI 0.41–0.91, p = 0.01). A small number of studies reported on secondary outcomes. A reduced rate of Horner’s syndrome was observed in the IC group. Otherwise, no difference was noted between the approaches in terms of procedure time, sensory onset time, patient satisfaction, pain and vascular puncture.

IC blocks demonstrate a higher success rate over SC blocks. Across all studies a large variance in outcome reporting and definitions was observed. Future studies should conform to an agreed definition set to facilitate comparison.