Costoclavicular versus lateral-sagittal infraclavicular block for hand and forearm surgery

Comparison Between Ultrasound-Guided Costoclavicular and Lateral-Sagittal Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks in Adult Distal Upper Limb Surgeries : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT07517809

This study will see if the costoclavicular ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block produces a faster onset of numbness and motor block than the lateral-sagittal infraclavicular block in adults having hand or forearm surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT07517809 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective randomized controlled comparison enrolling 50 adult patients undergoing distal upper limb surgery who receive one of two ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus approaches. Participants are randomly assigned to a costoclavicular (CC) group or a lateral-sagittal infraclavicular (LS-ICB) group, with 25 patients per arm. Both groups receive the same local anesthetic mixture (2% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine, 1:1 ratio) at 0.3 mL/kg under real-time ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome is time to onset of complete sensory and motor block, with safety and block quality monitored throughout.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (ASA I–III) scheduled for distal upper limb surgery who can give written informed consent and have no pre-existing neuropathy, local infection, coagulopathy, severe pulmonary disease, allergy to study drugs, or BMI over 40 kg/m².

Not a fit: Patients with coagulopathy, active infection at the puncture site, severe pulmonary disease, pre-existing neurological deficit in the limb, allergy to the anesthetic drugs, or who refuse participation are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the costoclavicular approach could provide faster block onset and more efficient anesthesia for hand and forearm surgery, improving patient comfort and operating-room workflow.

How similar studies have performed: Small studies and case series have reported promising results for the costoclavicular approach with clustered cords and rapid anesthetic spread, but randomized comparisons remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA physical status I-III
* Distal upper limb surgery requiring brachial plexus block.
* Patient approval after written and informed consent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal.
* Allergy to drugs used.
* Infection at puncture site.
* Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy.
* Pre-existing neuropathy or neurological deficit in the affected limb.
* Severe pulmonary disease.
* BMI \> 40 kg/m².

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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 Regional Anesthesia BlockBrachial Plexus Blocks
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.