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Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block

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An interscalene brachial plexus block uses injected medication to numb the shoulder and upper arm prior to surgical procedures or repositioning (reduction) of a dislocated shoulder.  An interscalene brachial plexus block delivers numbing medication to nerves in the shoulder and arm.  It may be used for hand and wrist surgery as well, but additional medication is usually required.  The nerve block is temporary, lasting up to several hours.  Following the operation, the medication wears off and the sense of feeling returns.

Read more about Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Treatment
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Treatment

Introduction

An interscalene brachial plexus block uses injected medication to numb the shoulder and upper arm prior to surgical procedures or repositioning (reduction) of a dislocated shoulder.  An interscalene brachial plexus block delivers numbing medication to nerves in the shoulder and arm.  It may be used for hand and wrist surgery as well, but additional medication is usually required.  The nerve block is temporary, lasting up to several hours.  Following the operation, the medication wears off and the sense of feeling returns.
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Anatomy

Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae.  The scalene muscles connect select vertebrae at the neck (cervical spine) and upper body (thoracic spine) to the upper ribs on both your right and left sides.  Nerves extend from the spinal cord, through the anterior and middle scalene muscles, and form branches or networks of nerves called the brachial plexus.  The brachial plexus then becomes the nerves that supply muscles and skin in the chest, shoulders, and arms.
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Causes

An interscalene brachial plexus block is primarily used to temporarily numb or “turn off” the nerves responsible for feeling in the shoulder and upper arm before surgery or other medical procedures are performed.  This technique can also be used to alleviate various painful conditions affecting the shoulder and upper extremity.
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Treatment

The interscalene brachial plexus block takes place prior to your surgery or procedure to numb your shoulder and upper arm.  You will wear a gown for your procedure and lay on your back on a surgical table.  Your head will be turned away from the side that will receive the nerve block, as this helps identify neck muscles and other anatomical landmarks.  Your doctor may feel your neck muscles to find a landmark called the interscalene groove.  The interscalene groove is the site where the injection is given. 

The area is sterilized and draped.  A local anesthetic is delivered to the injection site.  The brachial plexus nerves are located using ultrasound or electrical nerve stimulation.  The area below the shoulder will twitch when the correct nerve is stimulated.  Once identified, the injection needle is carefully directed to the brachial plexus.  The anesthetic medication is delivered  and the needle is removed.

The interscalene brachial plexus block will numb the upper arm and shoulder for several hours to allow surgery or a medical procedure to take place without you feeling any pain.  Following your surgery, your arm may be placed in a sling to protect it until your sense of feeling returns.  Your doctor will prescribe pain medication for you to use after the block has worn off.
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Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on April 13th, 2016. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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  • Arthroscopy
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  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
  • Injection Therapy
  • MAKOplasty Robotic Surgery
  • Microsurgery
  • Onsite Durable Medical Equipment
  • PRP Therapy

6620 Fly Road, Suite 100
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: (315) 464-4472
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At Upstate Orthopedics, our orthopedic surgeons provide treatment for patients with chronic pain due to sports injury, job related injury, auto accident or other orthopedic conditions. Experienced neck, back and spine surgeons specialize in the management of scoliosis, whiplash, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, spinal cord tumors and other spinal deformities. Our foot and ankle specialists find solutions for common sports injuries, shin splints, flat foot, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot as well as bunion, claw toe, hammertoe. Upstate Orthopedics has a full staff of orthopedic hand and wrist microsurgeons with experience providing relief for carpal tunnel syndrome, flexor or extensor tendon injury, bite injury and congenital deformities that require specialized training. We also have shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joint replacement specialists providing treatment for rotator cuff tear, ligament strain, arthritis, congenital deformities, hip fracture and more. We have a dedicated oncology team to help you fight cancer, tumor, metastatic disease and improve quality of life. Parents trust our pediatric specialists to care for their young children, athletes, students, family and friends. Convenient on-site x-ray, MRI, CT scan, casting and splinting, wound care, physical therapy, pain relief treatments and outpatient surgery from world-class medical staff serving Onondaga County and surrounding counties in Central New York.