Upper limb blocks

UPPER LIMB
BLOCKS
BRACHIAL
PLEXUS
BLOCK
Abraham Tarekegn
University of Gondar, Department of Anesthesia
1/4/2018
1

Outlines
 General description of each nerves
 Indications
 Landmarks
 Preparation
 Needle
 Depth
 Directions
 Volume of LAs
 Technique
 Side effects & Complications
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The Brachial Plexus
 Supplies all of the motor and almost all of the
sensory function of the upper extremity.
 The plexus is formed from the anterior
primary rami of the fifth cervical to the first
thoracic roots.
 Contributions may also be received from C4
to T2.
 Blockade of the brachial plexus can provide
surgical anesthesia of the hands, upper/lower
arm, and shoulder depending on the
approach.
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Major Motor Function of the Individual
Nerves of the Brachial Plexus
Nerve Major Motor Function
Axillary Abduction of the shoulder
Musculocutaneous Flexion of the elbow
Radial Extension of the elbow, wrist, &
finger
Median Flexion of the wrist & finger
Ulnar Flexion of the wrist & finger
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These nerves (C5 -
T1) leave
intervertebral foramina
- Root
 Trunk-they unite to
form three trunks
between the anterior
and middle scalene
muscles.
Upper, middle, and
The Brachial Plexus….
8

At the first rib each
trunk will separate
into anterior and
posterior divisions.
 As the brachial
plexus emerges
under the clavicle,
the anterior and
posterior divisions
come together to
The Brachial Plexus….The Brachial Plexus….
9

The lateral cord is lateral
to the axillary artery;
The posterior cord is
located posterior to the
axillary artery; and
The medial cord is located
medial to the axillary artery.
At the lateral border of the
pectoralis minor muscle,
each cord divides into
branches, terminating in
The Brachial Plexus….The Brachial Plexus….
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Techniques and use of brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is
enveloped by a facial
sheath which allows for
the administration of
brachial plexus
anesthesia.
Injection into the sheath,
at any anatomical point,
will allow for the spread of
local anesthetics and
subsequent blockade.
Choice of a specific
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Interscalene approach: Anatomy:
 Cervical nerves (C5-T1) course antero-
laterally and inferiorly to lie between the
anterior scalene and the middle scalene
muscles.
 The prevertebral fascia covers both the
scalene muscles fusing laterally to
enclose the brachial plexus in a fascia
sheath. 1/4/2018
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Brachial Plexus Anatomy
 Interscalene
block
 At level of
Distal Roots/
Proximal
Trunks
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Anatomy
- Nerves lie in the
Interscalene groove
 Between anterior and
middle scalene
muscles
 Posterior/Lateral to
Sternocleidomastoid
muscle (clavicular
head)
- Posterior to Phrenic
Nerve
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Anatomy…
 Vertebral artery
(VA) is medial to
the anterior
scalene muscle
(AS)
 Phrenic nerve (PN)
overlies the
anterior scalene
muscle.
 C5 and C6 nerve
roots join to form 1/4/2018
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Interscalene nerve block
 Between the scalene muscles, these
nerve roots unite to form three trunks,
which emerge from the interscalene
grove.
 To lie cephaloposterior to the subclavian
artery as it courses along the upper
surface of the first rib.
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Indications of interscalene
block
 Surgery of
 Shoulder
 Distal clavicle
 Proximal Humerus
 Elbow
 Open shoulder
surgery
 Arthroscopic surgery
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Interscalene nerve block...
 Landmarks
Posterior boarder of SCM
Upper border of Cricoid cartilage
Subclavian artery - above the clavicle
external jugular vein
 interscalene groove.
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:Equipments
 All resuscitation materials (GA)
 Syringes: two 10mls or 20mls
 Antiseptic solution
 Nerve stimulator
 50mm -insulated needle (depth=35-
50mm)
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Interscalene nerve block :
Drugs
 1% lidocaine,1% Prilocaine
 0.25-0.5% Bupivacaine
 Deltoid (shoulder surgery): 10-20ml.
 Elbow ( humerus): 20-40ml.
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Techniques
The patient should be supine, with one
small pillow under their head and neck.
The head should be turned comfortably to
the opposite side.
At the level of the cricoid cartilage draw a
line laterally to intersect the posterior
border of the sternocleidomastoid; this
usually corresponds to where the external
jugular vein crosses.
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Palpate the scalene anterior underneath
the lateral border of the sternomastoid.
Moving the fingers laterally, palpate the
interscalene groove, between the
scalenus anterior and medius.
To aid palpation ask the patient to their
lift head gently off the pillow (contracting
the sternomastoid) or sniff (contracting
scalene muscles).
Techniques
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Stand to the side of patient or at their
head, raise a weal and insert a 22G 25
mm/50 mm needle of choice
perpendicular to the skin in all directions
with a slight caudad direction.
On entering the prevertebral fascia sheath
a pop may be elicited; advance until
paraesthesia or specific motor stimulation
is achieved (peripheral nerve stimulation).
After careful aspiration inject 10–20 ml for
Techniques
1/4/2018
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31
1. Cricoid cartilage 4. Puncture site for anterior access
2. Superior thyroid notch 5. Vertical, infraclavicular puncture site
3. SCM
Meier’s approach

Nerve Stimulator
Technique
 Roll fingers
posteriorly off
lateral border of
SCM muscle
 Palpate
Interscalene
Groove between
two fingers
 Beware of
nearby External1/4/2018
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Nerve Stimulator
Technique
 Insert needle
slightly posterior
and caudad.
 Watch for twitches
of bicep, tricep,
forearm, or hand
 Diaphram twitch=
phrenic nerve=too
anterior.
 nerve block vedio
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 Side effects:
 Phrenic nerve block -98%
 RLN block -15%
 Stellate ganglion block -20%
 Horner’s Syndrome
 Complications:
 Inadvertent intravascular injection
 Pneumothorax –very low incidence
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Supraclavicular approach:
Anatomy
 The subclavian perivascular block is a
supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus.
 Aiming to anaesthetise the 3 trunks of the
brachial plexus as they cross the first rib rather
than the nerve roots as they emerge between
the scalene muscles.
 This is the point at which the brachial plexus is
more compact.
 As a result it is possible to block the majority of
the brachial plexus with one injection and with
the lowest volume of local anaesthetic.1/4/2018
35

 The first rib runs approximately antero -
posteriorly at the point where the trunks of the
brachial plexus cross it.
 The plexus crosses the first rib between the
insertions of the anterior scalene muscle (in
front) and the middle scalene muscle (behind).
 The brachial plexus lies posterior to the
subclavian artery.
 The lower trunk may lie under the subclavian
artery.
 The subclavian vein is anterior to the anterior1/4/2018
37
Supraclavicular approach:
Anatomy

Indications:
 Humeral, elbow, fore-arm and hand surgery:
areas supplied by the median and radial nerves,
and the lateral and posterior cutaneous nerves
of fore-arm.
 Possibly not the logical choice for surgery
confined to the medial side of the elbow, wrist
and hand, or the little finger (5% failure to block
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39
 Landmarks:
 Interscalene groove
 Subclavian artery
 Equipments:
 All resuscitation materials
 50mm insulated needle ( depth=1.5-4mm)
 Two -20ml syringes
 Nerve stimulator
 Drugs:
 0.1% lidocaine ,1% prilocaine
 0.25-0.5% bupivacaine
1/4/2018

Techniques
 Patient lying flat, and the head turned 30o to the
opposite side.
 Identify the interscalene groove and follow the
groove down to the root of the neck.
 Palpate the subclavian artery and insert the
needle at the lowest point of the interscalene
groove in the posterior part of the groove, and
posterior to the subclavian artery if palpable.
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41
Position for needle insertion for subclavian perivascular
block
Best method
1/4/2018

 Puncture site:
Immediate dorso-lateral
from the palpated
pulsation of the
subclavian artery and1
cm behind the midpoint of
the clavicle.
 Paresthesia will usually
be immediately elicited.
 If no paresthesia assess
up to the first rib.
Techniques
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 If no paraesthesiae or twitch are elicited,
withdraw the needle almost to skin and redirect
gently more anteriorly or posteriorly.
 If accidental arterial puncture -move needle
posteriorly.
 If you contact 1st rib -walk anterio-posteriorly
along rib.
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Techniques...

44
 Stimulation:
 Flexion or extension of wrist and fingers
 Dose: 0.5ml/kg to 40mls
 Side effects:
 Horner’s syndrome
 RLN block
 Complications:
 Vascular puncture
 Inadvertent intravascular injection
 Pneumothorax 1/4/2018

Infraclavicular approach
 It is most useful for patients undergoing
procedures on the elbow, forearm, or hand
 Plain bupivacaine produce surgical
anesthesia lasting 4 to 6 hours
the addition of epinephrine may
prolong this period to 8 to 12 hours
 Thus the technique can substitute for an
axillary block in patients who cannot
abduct their arms
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Infraclavicular approach:
Anatomy
 Boundaries of the infraclavicular fossa are:
Pectoralis major and minor muscles
anteriorly
Ribs medially
Clavicle and coracoid process superiorly &
Humerus laterally.
 The plexus is approached in close proximity
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Landmarks:
 Anterior process of the acromion
 Jugular/ sternal notch
 Subclavian artery
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Equipments and drugs
 Equipments
- All resuscitation materials
-50mm insulated needle ( depth= 2-5cm)
-Three 20ml syringes
-Nerve stimulator
 Drugs: 1% lidocaine, 0.25-0.5%
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Techniques:
 Patient is supine, the
ipsilateral arm is
abducted {not
necessary} and the
head is turned to the
opposite side.
 Acromion process -
the most prominent
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Techniques:
 Mark the midpoint of the
clavicle between the
acromion and the sternal
head of the clavicle.
 Insert needle vertically -
2.5 -3cm below the
midpoint of the clavicle
along the axillary artery. 1/4/2018
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Stimulation
 Wrist/finger extension- accept, posterior cord
 Dose: 0.5mg/kg to 50ml
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Stimulation
 Pectoral muscle twitch- don’t= needle too
medial or superficial
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Stimulation
 Elbow flexion- don’t = lateral cord, needle too
lateral or superficial
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Advantages of the
infraclavicular vertical brachial
plexus block
 Clearly defined guide points - clearly
defined puncture direction
 Simple to learn - high success rate
 No anaesthetic gaps resulting from the
procedure
 No problems with the Esmarch tourniquet
 Comfortable positioning of the patient
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Side effects/complications
 Horner syndrome
 Vessel puncture (cephalic vein, subclavian
artery and vein and their branches)
 Pneumothorax
 Inadvertent intravascular injection
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Axillary nerve block
 The most commonly practiced block.
 For surgical procedures from the elbow to
the hand.
 There is intense blockade of C7-T1 (forearm
and hand surgery).
 Not adequate for the shoulder and upper arm
(C5-6).
 Easy to perform and has few complications.
 Axillary brachial plexus block is most
effective for surgical procedures distal to the1/4/2018
58

 The plexus runs from the neck to the axilla
passing between the clavicle and the first
rib.
 The cords form the nerves to the arm - the
median, ulnar, radial and the
musculocutaneous nerve.
 Alongside the axillary artery runs the
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Axillary nerve block...

Anatomic consideration
 Beneath the clavicle, the subclavian artery
becomes the axillary artery.
 Behind the clavicle, at the apex of the
axilla the brachial plexus splits from upper,
middle, and lower trunks into anterior and
posterior divisions.
 The anterior and posterior divisions travel
to the lateral border of the pectoralis minor
and form the lateral, posterior, and medial
cords. 1/4/2018
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 The cords split to form individual nerves
that innervate the arm.
 Other branches of the plexus arise from
the neck and axilla, directly from the roots,
trunks, and cords.
 Knowledge of where each individual nerve
is located within the sheath is important.
 The median nerve is superior to the axillary artery.
 The ulnar nerve is inferior to the axillary artery.
 The radial nerve is inferior and posterior to the axillary artery.
 The musculocutaneous nerve has already separated from the brachial
plexus, traveling within the coracobrachialis muscle.
Anatomic consideration….

Indications
 Elbow, forearm and hand surgery
 Operations in the arm (distal upper arm, lower
arm, hand)
 Continuous analgesia
 Pain syndrome
 Sympathicolysis
 Musculocutaneous nerve can not be blocked b/c it
always lies outside the sheath ( b/n biceps and
coracobrachialis muscle), because it leaves the
lateral cord before the cords enter the axilla.
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Landmarks
 Axillary artery pulse :
most important
landmark.
 Median nerve
superior, ulnar nerve
inferior, and the
radial nerve is
posterior and lateral.
 Insertion of major
pectoralis muscle
 Coracobrachialis
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64

Equipments:
Resuscitation materials ( GA)
Anti-septic solution and infiltrate needle
insertion site.
25-50mm insulated needle
Nerve stimulator
 Dose: single injection:0.5ml/kg up to
50mls. 1/4/2018
66

1. The patient lies supine with the arm
extended 90 degrees from the side &
flexed at the elbow
Extension beyond 90 degrees potentially
compresses the axillary artery because
of the pressure from the head of the
humerus & may make identification of
the landmarks more difficult
Techniques
:
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Techniques....
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2. Axillary artery is marked as high in its
course in the axilla as is practical.
 Usually felt in the intramuscular groove
between the coracobrachialis & triceps
muscles
 Also passes between the insertions of the
pectoralis major & latissimus dorsi muscles on
the humerus.

Techniques....
3. After aseptic preparation, a skin wheal is
raised over the proximal portion of the artery
 Index & middle fingers of the nondominant
hand straddle the artery just below this point,
both localizing the pulsation & compressing
the neurovascular bundle below the intended
site of injection.
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70

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71
 At this point raise a weal, and fixing the
artery against the humerus with the index
and middle fingers insert a 22G 50 mm
needle angled slightly proximally to pass
either above or below the artery to contact
either median or ulnar nerve respectively.
 A perceptible click or pop is felt on
entering the fascial sheath, and
paraesthesia or specific motor responses
can be elicited.
 nerve block vedio
Techniques....

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 Needle; 22-25G/25-50mm
insulated/uninsulated.
 Direction; 45° to the skin, proximally
 Depth; 10-15mm
 Volume; single injection: 0.5ml/kg up to
50mls.
 Inject 40-50ml of LA increments.
 LA; 1% Lidocaine, 1% Prilocaine
0.25%-0.5% Levobupivacaine
Techniques....

Axillary nerve block: Different
techniques
Four different techniques can be
employed:
 Transarterial; injecting 20 ml of solution both
anterior and posterior to the artery.
 Multiple injections; finding each of the four
nerves separately, the success of the block
being increased when each successive
nerve is identified.
 Single loss of resistance using a short
bevelled needle; fascial click, injecting after
either through the needle or after insertion of
a cannula.
 Infiltration; fanwise injection of 15 ml of1/4/2018
73

Multiple injections:
 Around each individual nerve is most
reliable.
 It may require less volume(7-10ml each
nerve).
 But the minimum required dose/volume
per nerve is not well known .
 Nerve & vascular injury?
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Stimulations:
Index or middle finger flexion -median
nerve
Thumb abduction or little finger flexion –
ulnar
Thumb extension –radial
Elbow flexion –musculocutaneous nerve
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Clinical tips
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 Single injection almost always misses two
nerves from getting blocked.
 The musculo-cutaneous nerve: which
supplies the lateral side of the forearm. It is
important to inject as high as possible in the
axilla in order to block this nerve. If it has not
been blocked, inject 5ml of local anaesthetic
solution at a point 2.5cm distal to the elbow
crease and lateral to the biceps tendon.
 The intercostobrachial nerve: which
supplies the medial half of the upper arm.
This is blocked by injecting the last few ml of
local anaesthetic as the needle is withdrawn.

Complications:
 Block failure
 Bleeding and haematoma
 Inadvertent vascular injection
 Toxicity due to absorption of LA
 Infection
 Nerve damage
1/4/2018
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Elbow block
 In general, distal upper extremity blocks—
those at the elbow or wrist—are not
frequently required if facility with more
proximal blocks is gained.
 These more distal peripheral blocks are
perceived to be associated with a slightly
higher likelihood of nerve injury.
Nerve is contained within bony and ligamentous
surroundings
 Augmentation of higher brachial plexus1/4/2018
78

Anatomy
 The ulnar nerve is located in the ulnar
groove, which is a bony fascial canal
between the medial epicondyle of the
humerus and the olecranon process.
 The median nerve at the elbow lies
medial to the brachial artery, which lies
just medial to the biceps muscle.
 The radial nerve pierces the lateral
intramuscular septum on its way to the
forearm, and lies between the brachialis
muscle and the brachioradialis muscle1/4/2018
79

Position
 All three of these nerves are blocked with
the patient in the supine position and the
arm supinated and abducted at the
shoulder at a 90-degree angle.
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Indication and landmarks
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 Indications
 Elbow blocks are indicated for surgery on
the forearm and hand.
 Landmarks:
 flexion crease of the elbow, brachial
artery, biceps tendon, medial and lateral
epicondyles.
 In all cases the arm should be slightly
abducted with the elbow slightly flexed,
the forearm supinated.

Blockade of median nerve
 At the elbow, the
median nerve is
located medial to the
brachial artery near
the insertion of the
biceps tendon.
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Blockade of median nerve
 Identify the brachial artery in the
antecubital space.
 It is generally located medially, at
the biceps tendon insertion.
 Insert a 22-27 gauge, 4 cm blunted
needle medial to the brachial
artery. Direct the needle toward the
medial epicondyle.
 A click may be felt as the
needle pierces the deep fascia,
and paraesthesia or a motor
response elicited.
 Continue insertion of the needle
until bone is contacted.
 At this point withdraw the needle 1
cm and inject 3-5 ml of local
anesthetic.
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84

Radial nerve block
 Block of the radial nerve
provides anesthesia to the
lateral aspect of the
dorsum of the hand
(thumb side) and the
proximal portion of the
thumb, index, middle, and
lateral half of the ring
fingers.
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86

Blockade of the Radial Nerve
 Identify the lateral aspect of the biceps
tendon at the crease of the elbow.
 Insert a 22-27 gauge, 4 cm blunted needle
parallel to the forearm.
 Direct the needle toward the lateral
epicondyle.
 If a paresthesia is encountered, withdraw
the needle slightly, and inject 5 ml of local
anesthetic. Do not inject if the patient
complains of a paresthesia. If no paresthesia
is encountered, continue to insert the needle
until bone is encountered.
 Withdraw the needle 1 cm and inject 5 ml of
local anesthetic.
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87

Ulnar nerve block
 Used to supplement a patchy
axillary or interscalene block
or for minor surgical
procedures in the distribution
of the ulnar nerve.
 At the elbow, the ulnar nerve
can be palpated proximal to
the medial epicondyle.
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Ulnar nerve block position
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89

Blockade of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow
To anesthetize the ulnar nerve at
the elbow, have the patient flex
their arm 90 degrees.
Identify the olecranon process
and the medial condyle.
The ulnar nerve can be palpated
between these two structures.
Insert a 22-27 gauge blunted
needle slowly in this space.
The ulnar nerve will be
superficial.
If a paresthesia is obtained,
withdraw the needle slightly and
inject 3-5 ml of local anesthetic.
If no paresthesia, then
superficially infiltrate the area
with local anesthetic.
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Needle Puncture: Ulnar Nerve
Block
 At a point approximately 1 cm proximal
to a line drawn between the olecranon
process and the medial epicondyle, a
small-gauge, 2-cm needle is inserted
 A parasthesia should be easily
obtainable, and once it is, the needle is
withdrawn 1 mm, and 3 to 5 mL of local
anesthetic is injected through the needle
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91

Ulnar Nerve Block
 A larger volume of solution should not
be injected directly into the ulnar groove
 because high pressure in this tightly
contained fascial space may increase
the risk of nerve injury
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Wrist block
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 Wrist block is a technique for blocking
branches of the ulnar, medial, and radial
nerves at the level of wrist.
 It is simple to perform and devoid of
systemic complications and highly
effective for variety of procedures on the
hand and fingers.
 Wrist block can be used in outpatient
setting, office setting, emergency setting
for repair of hand injuries in emergency

Indications and landmarks
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 Indications:
 Carpal tunnel and hand surgery
 Finger surgery
 Landmarks:
 Palmaris longus
 Flexor carpi radialis
 Ulnar artery
 Flexor carpi ulnaris
 Radial styloid

Blockade of the Radial Nerve
at the Wrist
 At the wrist, the radial nerve is located
between the radial artery and flexor
carpi radialis tendon.
 The administration of 2-5 ml of local
anesthetic, deep to the flexor carpi
radialis will block the sensory branches
of the radial nerve which innervate the
lateral side of the thumb.
 Proximal to the wrist, dorsal branches
of the radial nerve provide sensation to
the dorsal aspect of the lateral three and
half fingers. This branch can be blocked
by placing a superficial field block at
the wrist.
1/4/2018
97

Blockade of the Median Nerve at
the Wrist
 Identify the Palmaris longus tendon and
flexor carpi radialis by asking the patient
to flex their wrist against resistance.
 It is marked at the proximal flexion
crease.
 Insert a 25G 25 mm needle between the
tendons of the Palmaris longus and
flexor carpi radialis at the level of the
proximal palmar crease and 3–5 mL of
anesthetic is injected.
 If a paresthesia is encountered, withdraw
the needle slightly and inject 3-5 ml of
local anesthetic.
 If no paresthesia is encountered, infiltrate
the area with 3-5 ml of local anesthetic.
98

Blockade of the Ulnar Nerve
at the Wrist
 The ulnar nerve, at the wrist, is located
lateral to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon
and medial to the ulnar artery.
 Locate the pulsation of the ulnar artery
on the palmar surface of the wrist.
 Insert a 22-27 gauge blunted needle on
the medial side of the arterial pulsation.
 The ulnar nerve is superficial.
 If a paresthesia is obtained, pull back
slightly and inject 3-5 ml of local
anesthetic.
 If there is not a paresthesia, infiltrate
the area with local anesthetic.
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Digital nerve block
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100
 Indications:
 Surgery distal to the base of proximal
phalanx.
 Landmarks:
 Base of proximal phalanx
 Technique:
 Dorsal injection
 On the dorsolateral aspect of finger
 At the base of proximal phalanx

Digital nerve block…
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Palpate the metacarpophalangeal joint
and insert a 25G 25 mm needle
perpendicular to the skin just distal to
the joint.
 Advance the needle towards the palmar
surface, injecting 3 ml on each side of
the phalanx.
Insert a 25G 25 mm needle into the web
space to a depth of 2 cm, injecting 5 ml
of solution into each space; massage

Digital nerve block….
 These nerve blocks are used for minor
operations on the fingers and to supplement
brachial plexus blocks.
 Each digit has two dorsal and two palmar
branches of the digital nerve.
 A 23- to 25-gauge needle is inserted at the
medial and lateral aspects of the base of the
selected digit.
 A total of 2–3 mL of local anesthetic without
epinephrine is injected on each side near the
periosteum.
 Addition of a vasoconstrictor (epinephrine)
can seriously compromise blood flow to the
digit.
 Never administer more than 4 ml of total
volume per digit. 1/4/2018
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anesthesia (IVRA)
Bier's
block
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 This simple method of providing
anesthesia of the distal arm or leg was
first described by August Bier in 1808.
 Indications
 (IVRA) is indicated for any procedure on
the arm below the elbow or leg below the
knee that will be completed within 40-60
minutes.
 Its use is limited to procedures lasting less
than an hour because of increasing

Indications:
 Closed fractures
 Burn debridement
 Removal of ground-in debris
 Abscess I&D
 Laceration repair
 Foreign body removal
 Limited surgical procedures

Contraindications
 Reynaud’s disease
 Homozygous sickle cell disease(the
tourniquet can precipitate a sickling crisis)
 Crush injuries
 Young Children
 Adrenaline in the LAs can cause gangrene of
the extremities
 Must have a reliable/operative tourniquet! If
this can not be guaranteed then this
technique should not be used due to risk of
toxicity! 1/4/2018
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Conditions
1.Surgical procedures involving the arm
below the elbow.
2.Surgical procedures involving the leg
below the knee.
 Ensure that the patient has been fasting
for an appropriate period of time.

Equipments
A standard regional anesthesia tray is
prepared with the following equipment:
 22-gauge intravenous catheter
 Esmarch bandage
 Double cuff tourniquet
 20 mL syringes with LA
 Pressure source
 Resuscitation equipment
 Running IV in non-operative arm

Local Anesthetic Choice
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 Many local anesthetic agents have been used
for IVRA.
 However, because of side effects (e.g.,
Chloroprocaine: venous thrombosis; Prilocaine:
methemoglobinemia; Bupivacaine:
cardiotoxicity) should use cautiously.
 Lidocaine is currently the local anesthetic of
choice in a usual concentration of 0.5% with
volumes, in adults, of 30 mL (upper extremity
forearm tourniquet) and 50 mL (upper extremity
arm tourniquet or lower extremity leg

Local Anesthetic Choice…
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 It is essential that plain and not adrenaline-
containing solutions are used.
 Bupivacaine is not suitable and should never be
employed as it is too toxic, particularly to the
myocardium.
 A suitable dose to use in an arm is 40ml of 0.5%
Prilocaine (or 0.5% lignocaine).
 This can be increased to 50ml in muscular
individuals or decreased to 30ml in small or frail
patients. Larger volumes are necessary in the leg
e.g. 50-60ml.
 Maximum recommended volumes for a 60-70 kg
patient are 400mg Prilocaine (80ml 0.5% solution)
or 250mg lignocaine (50ml 0.5% solution).

1. Premedicate the patient appropriately.
2. A small IV intravenous catheter (e.g, 22-
gauge) is introduced in the dorsum of the
patient's hand of the arm to be
anesthetized. The patient is in the supine
position.
Technique

3. A tourniquet is
placed on the proximal
arm of the extremity to
be blocked. We use a
"double cuff" to increase
the reliability of the
technique and help reduce
the tourniquet pressure pain.
Inflate the cuff to 100 mm/Hg above the systolic
blood pressure. Clamp the cuff to prevent
leakage.
Techniques

Techniques
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4. Insert an indwelling cannula on the side
opposite that to be blocked as distally as
possible.
5. Monitor the blood pressure on the side
opposite that to be blocked. Use pulse
oximetry and ECG if available.
5. Insert an indwelling needle (scalp vein
needle or cannula 21G) and secure it with
a piece of strapping.

6. Apply wide
Esmarch rubber
bandage to
complete the
exsanguination
of the extremity.
Techniques

7. Elevate arm to
promote venous
drainage. The
Esmarch is then
unwrapped and the
extremity is checked
for color (pale skin)
and arterial
occlusion
(absence of the radial
Techniques

6.The extremity is then lowered and the
local anesthetic is slowly injected
through the previously inserted IV
catheter.
Techniques

Rules for deflating the cuff:
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 It is advisable to wait 20 minutes after the injection
of the lignocaine before the cuff is deflated. Then
the cuff can be deflated in one step, over 2-3
minutes.
 If the cuff has to be deflated before the 20 minutes
are up, the deflation must be done in steps, i.e.
deflate quickly and then inflate again. This must
be done several times before the cuff is finally
deflated.
 Always watch the patient very carefully for the
next 15 minutes after deflation of the cuff for signs
of toxicity of the local anaesthetic solution.
 It is important not to leave the tourniquet on for

 If use double tourniquet on the operative
arm.
Proximal Cuff
Distal Cuff
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Technique….

Technique
 Have patient hold arm
up.
 Use Eschmark to
exsanguinate the arm
 Exsanguinate the arm
from distal to
proximal.
 Inflate the proximal
tourniquet to 150
mmHg over the1/4/2018
118

1/4/2018
119
 Confirm the absence of a radial pulse.
 Inject your local (0.5% Lidocaine or
Prilocaine in a dose of 3 mg/kg).
 Remove IV catheter, hold pressure and
have OR staff prep arm. Onset of
anesthesia should occur in 5 minutes.
 When the patient complains of pain you
can inflate the distal tourniquet and then
deflate the proximal tourniquet
Technique….

Minimum time for tourniquet
inflation
 The tourniquet should be up for at least 25
minutes…releasing it before this may
result in toxicity.
 Releasing the tourniquet in cyclic
deflations (10 second intervals) will
decrease peak levels of local anesthetic.
1/4/2018
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 If the operation is prolonged, the patient may
complain of pain due to pressure from the
tourniquet. This may be reduced either by the
subcutaneous infiltration of a few mls of local
anesthetic above the tourniquet or by the use of a
"double tourniquet technique”.
 At the end of the procedure, the tourniquet is
deflated and normal sensation quickly returns.
 The tourniquet is reinflated again 20-30 seconds.
Post procedure

Advantages of the Bier Block
 Easy to administer
 Low incidence of block failure
 Safe technique when used appropriately
 Rapid onset and recovery
 Patient is awake during procedure.
 Controllable extent of anesthesia.

Disadvantages of the Bier Block
 Should be used for only short procedures
 Patient may experience tourniquet pain
after 20-30 minutes
 Sudden cardiovascular collapse or
seizures may occur if local anesthetic is
released into the circulation too early.
 Lose pulse
 Rapid recovery may lead to postoperative
pain
 Difficulty in providing a bloodless field

Complications
1. Tourniquet discomfort
2. Rapid return of sensation after tourniquet
release and subsequent surgical pain.
3. Toxic reactions from malfunctioning
tourniquets or deflating the tourniquet prior
to the 25 minute limit.
4. Toxicity of local anesthetics
 Signs and symptoms may include nausea,
vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus, funny
sensation around the mouth, loss of
1/4/2018
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Local Anesthetic Toxicity
Management
 Use the A, B, C’s for the management
of local anesthetic toxicity.
 A= airway. administer 100% oxygen.
 B= breathing. May need to assist the
patient with positive pressure
ventilation or intubation.
 C= circulation. Check for a pulse..
Complications...

Drugs
1.Prilocaine
 It is least toxic
 largest therapeutic index.
 One complication is methemoglobinemia .
Prilocaine is metabolized to o-toluidine
derivatives, which converts hemoglobin to
methemoglobin.
 Onset 2 - 15minute and duration 1 – 4hours.
2.Bupivacaine
 not suitable
 it is too toxic, particularly to the myocardium.
 Slower onset .

3.Lignocaine/Lidocaine
 Acceptable alternative or drug of
choice.
 Onset 1.5 - 5minute and duration 1 –
3hours.
Dosage
 The arm dosage can be: 30-40 ml of
0.5% Prilocaine or 0.5 % Lidocaine.
 In leg, larger volumes 50-60 ml.
Drugs …

Conclusion
 IVRA is a simple and valuable technique
that is easy to learn and perform. It is very
safe provided excessive doses of local
anesthetic are avoided, if the tourniquet
pressure is carefully monitored and if
resuscitation equipment is always
immediately available.

References
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1. Miller 7th edition
2. Sobotta: atlas of human anatomy
3. Myoclinical analgesia pathway & PNB
4. The abbott pocket guide to practical peripheral
nerve block
5. Barash,6th edition
6. Peripheral regional anaesthesia: Tutorial in Ulm
rehabilitation hospital.
7. Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Color Atlas, 3rd ed.
8. Text book of regional Anaesthesia and acute
pain management.
9. Oxford hand book of anaesthesia.

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