Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks Performed by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians for Painful Orthopedic Procedures in a Pediatric Emergency Department—A Case Series

Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks are a common pain-reducing technique in the operating room and are also performed in the emergency department, primarily in adults. Performing brachial plexus blocks in the pediatric emergency department by pediatric emergency medicine physicians is yet to become common practice and may pose various challenges. Objective The aim of this study was to describe our experience with ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks performed by pediatric emergency physicians for the purpose of forearm fracture reductions in the emergency department. Methods We present a case series of 15 pediatric patients aged 7 to 17 years undergoing ultrasound-guided supraclavicular blocks. Results All blocks resulted in adequate analgesia. No procedural complications were observed. Conclusions We conclude that in select pediatric cases ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks can be a safe, swift, and efficient means of pain management and procedural analgesia. This approach obviates the need for sedation, thus shortening the time lag between presentation and the reduction procedure, as well as overall length of stay.