A Cadaver Study Investigating Structures Encountered by the Needle During a Retroclavicular Approach to Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract

The suprascapular nerve is consistently in the path of the block needle posterior to the clavicle. This raises the possibility of risk of injury to the suprascapular nerve when using this approach to the brachial plexus. Vascular injury is also possible deep to the clavicle, and because of the noncompressible location, caution is advised in patients with disordered coagulation.