A comparitive study of ropivacaine 0.5% & ropivacaine 0.75% in ultrasound guided intrascalene brachial plexus nerve block

Abstract

Background: A comparitive study of Ropivacaine 0.5% & Ropivacaine 0.75% in Ultrasound guided Intrascalene Brachial plexus nerve blockMaterials and Methods: This is a prospective, randomised study conducted out on 100 patients of either sex, aged 18-60 years, ASA grade I and II scheduled for Upper Limb Surgeries.Results: The effect of ropivacaine 0.5% and ropivacaine 0.75% in ultrasound guided intra scalene brachial plexus nerve block were similar in terms of duration of analgesia, duration of motor bloackade. Both the concentrations of ropivacaine showed insignificant variation in hemodynamic parameters as well and had similar side effects. All the results were insignificant statistically and have correlated well with the studies in reference.Conclusion: On the basis of our study, conclusions were drawn that onset of action of sensory, motor block was similar in all the groups. Increasing the concentration of ropivacaine from 0.5% to 0.75% failed to improve onset as well as duration of sensory/motor block. Considering the greater toxicity potential and the cardiovascular effects of the bupivacaine, ropivacaine seems a good alternative for brachial plexus blocks at a concentration of 0.5% as well as 0.75%. Both the concentrations are equally efficacious.