Regional anesthesia

The fascial plane blocks in the upper arm surgery and trauma: A narrative review

J Clin AnesthPublished Narrative review

Authors' conclusion

This study shows how fascial plane blocks in upper limb surgery are changing

Study context

Population
Patients with upper arm surgery or trauma receiving fascial plane blocks
Methodological detailsResearch from the last 10 years: RCTs, observational studies and case reports; cervical and high-thoracic erector spinae plane (ESP), clavipectoral fascia plane (CFP), superior posterior serratus intercostal plane (SPSIP) and PENG shoulder blocks
  • Research from the last 10 years: RCTs, observational studies and case reports; cervical and high-thoracic ESP, CFP, SPSIP and PENG shoulder blocks

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

  • High-thoracic ESP block provided pain relief, often with continuous catheter infusion
  • Tendency toward combining fascial blocks with each other or with peripheral nerve blocks to cover more area and reduce opioid use
  • Few RCTs; data mostly low-quality

Safety

Potential complications (local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), unintentional spread to important anatomical areas)

Risk exists although not reported

Original publication

The fascial plane blocks in the upper arm surgery and trauma: A narrative review. J Clin Anesth. Published 27 December 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2025.112115

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