infraclavicular

Infraclavicular is a medical term used to describe location or procedures situated below the clavicle (collarbone). It is applied to anatomical regions, structures, and clinical techniques involving the lower portion of the shoulder girdle and upper chest, particularly the infraclavicular fossa.

The infraclavicular region lies inferior to the clavicle and extends laterally toward the axilla. It contains parts of the axillary vessels and the cords of the brachial plexus (lateral, posterior, and medial), which give rise to the nerves and arteries of the upper limb. The clavicle and first rib form a bony boundary; the pectoral muscles contribute to the soft-tissue boundaries of this area.

In clinical practice, infraclavicular refers to approaches used for regional anesthesia of the upper limb, notably the infraclavicular brachial plexus block. This block targets the cords near the axillary artery to provide anesthesia or analgesia for the forearm and hand. Techniques include ultrasound-guided and nerve-stimulator-guided methods, with variations such as the paracoracoid approach. Potential complications include vascular puncture, nerve injury, hematoma, and, less commonly, pneumothorax; careful technique and monitoring minimize risk.

The term also extends to infraclavicular lymph nodes and other structures in the region, which may be involved in infections, inflammation, or malignancies. Overall, infraclavicular denotes structures or procedures situated beneath the clavicle, with particular emphasis in anatomy and regional anesthesia of the upper limb.