Introduction

Retro-clavicular Approach to the Infraclavicular Region (RAPTIR) provides regional anesthesia to the upper extremity. It is a single injection technique suitable for patients with limited mobility of the shoulder who are unable to assume the position necessary for a traditional infraclavicular nerve block. Additionally, needle visualization is improved with the RAPTIR block. Traditional Infraclavicular block requires inserting the needle just below the clavicle which requires a steep trajectory. This results in the ultrasound beam reflecting off the needle at an acute angle thereby providing poor needle visualization. By performing the RAPTIR block the needle approaches posterior to the clavicle thereby creating a plane perpendicular to the ultrasound beam yielding improved visualization (1).