Abstract
Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (UGNBs) allow emergency physicians an opportunity to
provide optimal pain management for acute traumatic conditions. Over the past decade,
a growing body of literature has detailed the novel ways clinicians have incorporated
UGNBs for analgesia and an alternative to procedural sedation. UGNBs are considered
a relatively safe procedure, and have been shown to increase rates of success and
reduce complications (as compared to older techniques). Ultrasound allows the operator
needle visualization and a clear anatomic overview. Even with the presumed level of
increased safety, we recommend that any clinician who performs ultrasound-guided nerve
blocks be aware of complications that could arise during and after the procedure.
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) post block, local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)
and the role of single peripheral nerve blocks in patients with a risk for compartment
syndrome are common safety issues discussed when performing ultrasound-guided nerve
blocks.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: March 27, 2019
Accepted:
March 27,
2019
Received:
March 11,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
