Two ultrasound-guided infraclavicular nerve block techniques for hand and forearm surgery

Comparison of Conventional and Retroclavicular Approaches for Ultrasound-guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Obese Patients

Not applicable Interventional Ankara Etlik City Hospital · NCT07151443

This study tests whether the retroclavicular or the conventional ultrasound-guided infraclavicular nerve block works better for adults with obesity having forearm or hand surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnkara Etlik City Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Yenimahalle, Ankara)
Trial IDNCT07151443 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults aged 18–80 with BMI over 30 and ASA II–III who are scheduled for forearm or hand surgery receive an ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block using either the conventional or retroclavicular approach. The study compares how well each technique provides surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia while monitoring for procedure-related complications. Blocks are performed in the operating room under ultrasound guidance by experienced clinicians. The main focus is on effectiveness and safety of the two approaches in this obese patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–80 years old with ASA II–III, BMI >30, who are suitable for forearm or hand surgery under regional anesthesia are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who prefer or require general anesthesia, have contraindications to regional anesthesia, or cannot perceive and report pain are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred approach could provide better anesthesia and pain control with fewer complications for obese patients having forearm or hand surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular blocks are well established for upper-extremity surgery, while the retroclavicular approach is a newer technique with limited but promising data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 18-80 years of age
* Those with ASA score II-III
* Those with a body mass index (BMI) \>30
* Patients who are suitable for forearm and hand surgery under regional anesthesia in the operating room

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who cannot perceive and evaluate pain
* Patients who want to have surgery under general anesthesia
* Patients in whom regional anesthesia is contraindicated

Where this trial is running

Yenimahalle, Ankara

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 Peripheral Nerve BlockPain ManagementForearm SurgeryHand SurgeryUpper ExtremityInfraclavicular BlockObesityHand surgery
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.