Ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks

Abstract

Bedside real-time ultrasound guidance has been a recent advance in the practice of peripheral nerve blockade. Ultrasound is particularly suitable for this purpose as it allows for real time identification of peripheral nerves and other relevant structures. It can also help guide the blocking needle in real time towards the target nerve and help assess the correct spread of local anesthetic in the desired location. Ultrasonography can also help identify early intraneural injection. Ultrasound guided techniques have been described for most peripheral nerve blocks commonly practiced. Some early outcome data suggests that ultrasound guidance may improve block success and speed block onset time, and possibly reduce block-related complications. © 2007 Rila Publications Ltd.