Authors: Ali N, Dubey N, Sahu S, et al.
Cureus 17(8): e90727, August 2025. doi:10.7759/cureus.90727
This randomized, prospective study compared the efficacy of two concentrations of ropivacaine (0.5% vs. 0.75%) for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in 60 patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either concentration, and outcomes included onset and duration of sensory and motor block, as well as block quality.
The study found that 0.5% ropivacaine produced a faster onset of both sensory and motor block, while 0.75% ropivacaine provided a significantly longer duration of analgesia and motor blockade. No significant difference in block quality was observed between the two groups, and both concentrations were well-tolerated without major complications.
Overall, the findings suggest that ropivacaine 0.75% is more appropriate for longer surgeries or when extended pain relief is desired, whereas 0.5% may be preferable when quicker motor recovery is important.
What you should know:
-
Ropivacaine 0.5% = faster onset, shorter duration.
-
Ropivacaine 0.75% = slower onset, longer duration.
-
No difference in overall quality of the block between groups.
-
Both concentrations were safe and free of significant complications.
-
Choice of concentration should be guided by surgical duration and whether prolonged analgesia or faster motor recovery is prioritized.
Thank you to Cureus for publishing this valuable comparative study on ropivacaine dosing for brachial plexus block.