Comparison of Two Different Techniques in Ultrasound Guided
Infraclavicular Block: Jedi and Classic Grip
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of ultrasonography in peripheral nerve
blocks requires an assistant. Pappin et al. described the “Jedi grip”
technique in which the practitioner works alone by controlling the
ultrasound prob with one hand and the needle and injector with the
other. In this study, we aimed to compare the block characteristics of
the “Jedi grip” technique with the classical technique that performed
with an assistant. Methods: 78 patients were included in our study. They
were randomly divided into two groups (Group I: Jedi grip and Group II:
Classical grip technique). Local anesthetic was applied to both groups
from 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine +10 ml of 2% prilocaine mixture. The
block characteristics were evaluated and recorded every 5 minutes for
the first 30 minutes after each block. When the sensory block score was
7 and the total score was 14 or above, the block was considered
successful, and the patient was ready for surgery. Results: There was no
significant difference between the groups in terms of block
characteristics such as block pain, number of attempts, arterial
puncture, sensory and motor block onset and regression times, time to be
ready for surgery, tourniquet pain, use of additional anesthesia method,
use of postoperative analgesia. The duration of block application was
158±47 sec in the Jedi group and 121±83 sec in the control group.
Conclusion: The Jedi grip technique has been found to be applicable with
the same confidence compared to the classical method in terms of block
success and complications.