BACKGROUND: The supraclavicular (SC) nerve block is a procedure utilized by anesthesiologists with the goal of providing analgesia to the upper extremity at and below the shoulder. We present a case report of an SC continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) complicated by isolated musculocutaneous nerve palsy despite cessation of infusion of local anesthetic.

CASE REPORT: Patient was a 39-year-old woman with chronic ischemic left-hand pain for which an SC CPNB was placed. Following sympathectomy of the radial and ulnar digital arteries, she reported inability to flex/extend her elbow or shoulder; motor function and sensation were otherwise intact. Following discontinuation of the CPNB, the patient regained sensation and motor function in her left upper extremity.

CONCLUSIONS: This isolated palsy may have been due to an entrapment or compression injury from the catheter itself. This case report demonstrates a potential complication of SC CPNB that had not been previously reported in the literature.

KEYWORDS: Supraclavicular nerve block, case report, catheter, musculocutaneous nerve, palsy