RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Double-Injection Method Using Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Is Superior to Single Injection in Axillary Plexus Block JF Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine JO Reg Anesth Pain Med FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 509-513 OP 509-513 DO 10.1136/rapm-00115550-199924060-00006 VO 24 IS 6 A1 Inberg, Per A1 Annila, Ilkka A1 Annila, Päivi YR 1999 UL http://rapm.bmj.com/content/24/6/509-513.abstract AB Background and Objectives. Axillary block using a single-injection method does not always provide effective analgesia. This study examined whether a double axillary block injection technique is superior to a single injection axillary block.Methods. Fifty patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In group 1 (single injection), the whole volume of local anesthetic (0.7 mL/kg) was injected after locating only one of the median, radial, or ulnar nerves. In group 2 (double injection), half of the volume was injected after locating one nerve and the other half after locating another peripheral nerve. Bupivacaine 0.5% and prilocaine 1% (1:1 volumes) were used as local anesthestic. A peripheral nerve stimulator was used to identify the nerves. Sensory block of seven nerves and motor block of four nerves were tested after 40 minutes.Results. Complete sensory and motor block (scores 2 or 3 on scale 0-3) in all four main nerves (median, ulnar, radial, musculocutaneous) was achieved in 3 (12%) versus 20 (80%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .000001). Primary success rate (no need for supplemental nerve block) was 52% in group 1 and 92% in group 2 (P = .0016).Conclusions. A double-injection method in axillary block provides excellent analgesia and motor block compared with a single-injection method. Moreover, the need for supplemental nerve blocks is significantly decreased.