Comparative evaluation of Ropivacaine hydrochloride 0.75% and ropivacaine hydrochloride 0.75% with clonidine in interscalene brachial plexus for orthopaedic upper limb surgery

Background : Certain adjuvants have been tried with local anaesthetics to enhance analgesic efficacy and extend the analgesic period post operatively. This randomized prospective double blind trial was designed to compare the effects of addition of clonidine to ropivacaine in interscalane brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery. Patients and methods : 60 patients of age group 20 - 65 years of either sex, admitted to undergo upper limb surgeries were included. Group A - Patients receiving 30ml of 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride plus 1ml normal saline. Group B - Patients receiving 30ml of 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride plus 150mcg clonidine (1ml). Results: The total duration of sensory block in group A was 7.61 ± 1.62 hours while in group B was 11.62 ± 1.84 hours. Total duration of motor block in group A was 5.95 ± 1.38 hours while in group B was 9.82 ± 1.98 hours. Duration of post-operative analgesia in group A it  was 7.24 ± 1.36 hours and in group B it was 11.83 ± 2.33 hours. Haemodynamically both groups were stable peri-operatively. Patient satisfaction score was better in group B. Conclusion : In conclusion, clonidine added to ropivacaine is an attractive option for improving the quality and duration of interscalene brachial plexus block in upper limb surgeries with stable perioperative hemodynamics.