Dexmedetomidine on continuous infraclavicular block after elbow arthrolysis

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in the analgesia of continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block after elbow arthrolysis. Methods: Sixty patients who received unilateral elbow arthrolysis and met inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 30): dexmedetomidine + ropivacaine group (group D) and ropivacaine group (group R). The formulation of analgesic pump was 0.2% ropivacaine 240 mL + 2 ug/kg dexmedetomidine in D group and 0.2% ropivacaine 240 mL in R group. The VAS scores at rest, 4 h (T1), 8 h (T2), 12 h (T3), 24 h (T4), 36 h (T5) and 48 h (T6) after operation were recorded, and NRS scores during functional exercise at 24 h (T4), 36 h (T5) and 48 h (T6) after operation were recorded. The incidence of adverse reactions and satisfactory degree of analgesia in two groups were recorded. Results: The success rate of block during catheterization was 100% in both groups. Compared with group R, VAS score of group D at each time point after operation decreased (p < 0.05); NRS score during functional exercise at each time point after operation decreased (p < 0.05); the additional pressing times of analgesic pump within 48 h decreased (p < 0.05); the incidence of dizziness, nausea and vomiting after operation decreased (p < 0.05); and satisfaction degree of analgesia 48 h after operation was higher in group D (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine can produce effective analgesic and sedative effects, and reduce the incidence of complications in the analgesia of continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block after elbow arthrolysis.