Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks of the lower limb

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging has transformed the practice of regional anesthesia in the last 6 years by providing direct visualization of needle tip as it approaches the desired nerves and real-time control of the spread of local anesthetics. The use of ultrasound imaging has also been expanding in the field of chronic pain management recently with the availability of smaller, less expensive, and more portable machines. Compared with the traditional fluoroscopy, ultrasound imaging overheads are lower as it does not require an x-ray compatible suite and protective clothing and has no radiation hazards to patients and staff. It does though have its limitations, possessing only a narrow imaging window, which is very sensitive to the probe's position and direction. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.