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Evaluating the Analgesic Efficacy of Superficial Cervical Plexus Block for Maxillofacial Surgeries

NCT07236086 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 70

Last updated 2025-11-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The superficial cervical plexus (SCP) originates from the anterior rami of C1-C4 and gives four cutaneous branches supplying the anterolateral neck, external ear, and shoulder tip (1). A superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) is performed by subcutaneous injection at the midpoint of the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid, targeting these sensory branches using either landmarks or ultrasound guidance. The goal of the ultrasound (US)-guided technique of superficial cervical plexus nerve block is to deposit local anesthetic within the vicinity of the sensory branches of the nerve roots C2, C3, and C4 (2). SCPB has been successfully used for analgesia in mandibular, tympanomastoid, thyroid, submandibular, and clavicular surgeries, and can even serve as the sole anaesthetic technique in external ear procedures (3, 4). As complications may arise while administrating a SCPB, an adequate understanding of the block physiology and local anesthetic toxicity can mitigate these issues. Superficial cervical plexus block shares common complications with other local anesthetic-based nerve blocks including intravascular injection into a vein or an artery, hematoma formation, infection risk and local anesthetic toxicity. It is worthy to refer that complications are of a higher incidence in deep blocks than superficial ones

Conditions

  • Maxillofacial Surgeries

Interventions

PROCEDURE

superficial cervical plexus nerve block

The fascial plane delineating the space between the levator scapulae and SCM can then be detected. Within this striated, hyperechoic substance, a hypoechoic cluster representing the superficial cervical plexus can be visualized, typically located just deep to the posterior surface of the lateral SCM. With an in-plane technique, 22-G needle is introduced parallel to the ultrasound beam, proceeding from the posterolateral to the medial direction. The needle will be advanced through the skin and platysma under real-time ultrasound guidance until it approaches to the plexus. Aspiration will be performed to ensure the needle tip is not within a vascular structure.

DRUG

Saline (0.9% NaCl)

patient will recive saline

DRUG

Bupivacaine

10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be administered in a supine position with the head turned opposite to the side of the block.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Assiut University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Rahma M. Atef, MBBCH · Assiut University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-31
Primary Completion
2027-01-31
Completion
2027-04-30

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07236086 on ClinicalTrials.gov