Comparing two anesthesia techniques for upper extremity surgery

Sensorimotor Block Dynamics and Hemidiaphragmatic Palsy: A Randomized Superiority Trial Comparing Selective Trunk Block and Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Not applicable Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05649644

This study is testing whether a new ultrasound-guided anesthesia technique can provide better pain relief and fewer side effects than the traditional method for people having surgery on their arms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05649644 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided Selective Trunk Block (SeTB) compared to the traditional Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block (BPB) for anesthesia during upper extremity surgeries. The research aims to determine if SeTB provides superior sensorimotor blockade and reduces the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic palsy. By analyzing the spread of anesthetic agents and their effects on major nerves, the study seeks to improve surgical outcomes and patient safety. Participants will be ASA 1-3 patients undergoing elective or emergency surgeries involving the upper extremity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are ASA 1-3 patients scheduled for elective or emergency upper extremity surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing respiratory diseases or neurological deficits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer and more effective anesthesia techniques for upper extremity surgeries, minimizing complications.

How similar studies have performed: While ultrasound-guided techniques have been widely studied, this specific comparison of SeTB and supraclavicular BPB is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA 1-3 patients
* Undergoing elective or emergency upper extremity surgery involving anywhere from the proximal humerus to distal hand or surgery involving any combination of these regions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* Pregnancy
* Skin infection at the site of block placement
* History of allergy to local anaesthetic (LA) drugs
* Bleeding tendency or with evidence of coagulopathy
* Pre-existing respiratory disease
* Neurological deficit or neuromuscular disease.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Musculoskeletal Diseases or ConditionsSensorimotor Block DynamicsHemidiaphragmatic PalsyUpper extremity surgerySelective Trunk BlockSupraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.