A Comparative Study of Bupivacaine 0.5 % and Ropivacaine 0.75 % for Supra-Clavicular Brachial Plexus Block Using Nerve Locator for Elective Upper Limb Orthopaedic Surgeries

BACKGROUND Regional anaesthesia has multiple advantages as compared to general anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries. Here in this study, we wanted to compare bupivacaine 0.5 %, commonly used anaesthetic with ropivacaine 0.75 % which has fewer side effects like cardiotoxicity for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS A study was performed on 60 ASA I & II patients aged between 18 and 75 years, undergoing upper limb elective surgeries under brachial plexus block using nerve locator. Beginning of sensory and motor block, general nature of block, and terms of sensory and motor blocks were assessed in the C5 to T1 dermatomes. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference in the onset of sensory and motor blockade between ropivacaine 0.75 % and bupivacaine 0.5 %. Ropivacaine 0.75 % produced similar quality of motor and sensory blockade compared to 0.5 % bupivacaine. The time taken for maximum motor blockade with ropivacaine was comparable with that of bupivacaine 0.5 %. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the duration of analgesia with ropivacaine 0.75 % compared to bupivacaine 0.5 %. Duration of motor blockade with 0.75 % ropivacaine was comparable to that of 0.5 % bupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS Ropivacaine 0.75 % 0.4 ml / kg or 0.5 % bupivacaine 0.4 ml / kg for supraclavicular brachial plexus block produces satisfactory and comparable sensory and motor blockade. It is suggested that lower cardiovascular toxicity of ropivacaine with equal efficacy as bupivacaine in such circumstances may help in reducing the risks to the patient. KEY WORDS Bupivacaine 0.5 %, Ropivacaine 0.75 %, Brachial Plexus Block, Upper Limb Orthopaedic Surgeries