Analgesia for clavicular fracture and surgery a call for evidence

Abstract

The sensory innervation of the clavicle remains controversial. The supraclavicular, subclavian, and long thoracic/suprascapular nerves, alone or together, may be responsible for pain transmission after clavicular fracture and surgery. Peripheral nerve blocks used to anesthetize the clavicle include superficial cervical plexus blocks, interscalene blocks, and combined superficial cervical plexus-interscalene blocks. Future (randomized) trials are required to determine which constitutes the best option for emergency department (fracture) and operating room (surgical fixation) settings. © 2013 by American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.