Comparison of 0.2% ropivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine for axillary brachial plexus blocks in paediatric hand surgery

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the use of ropivacaine 0.2% with bupivacaine 0.25% for axillary brachial plexus block in children undergoing hand surgery. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized study, 35 children undergoing hand surgery received axillary brachial plexus blocks with 0.5 ml.kg-1 of either 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine. Pain scores were noted at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery. The time to first dose of codeine phosphate and the total doses of all analgesics given were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in pain scores, the time to first dose of codeine phosphate or in analgesic requirements in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Ropivacaine 0.2% is as effective as bupivacaine 0.25% for axillary brachial plexus blocks in children undergoing hand surgery.