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Last updated Thursday, January 27, 2005
Preparation of the patient
While a general anesthetic can be used, a brachial plexus block has the advantage of providing about 12 hours of anesthesia in the surgical area. The patient is placed in the beach chair position with the thorax up at an angle of 30 degrees. The shoulder is just off the edge of the operating table so it can be moved freely through an entire range of motion. The anesthesiologist is positioned at the side of the neck on the opposite side from the shoulder being operated. A gowned member of the surgical team performs a careful skin preparation including the entire arm and forequarter, anteriorly and posteriorly. This preparation is repeated after a change of gown and gloves. The coracoid process (the lighthouse of the shoulder) is located. The deltopectoral groove extending across it is identified by palpation and marked as the line of incision.
Draping allows access to the entire scapula, clavicle, and humerus.
Disclaimer
This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
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