Background and Objectives: The use of ultrasonography in regional anesthetic blocks has rapidly evolved over the past few years. It has been speculated that ultrasound guidance might increase success rates and reduce complications. The aim of our study is to compare the success rate and quality of interscalene brachial plexus blocks performed either with direct ultrasound visualization or with the aid of nerve stimulation to guide needle placement.
Methods: A total of 160 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I-III) scheduled for trauma-related upper arm surgery were included in this randomized study and grouped according to the guidance method used ...