Introduction
Regional anesthesia, one of the keystones of pain management, is a technique that has been in use since the early 20th century. It involves injecting medications into nerves outside of the spinal cord to provide local anesthesia to an area of the body while allowing deep structures and organs to remain unaffected. Say’s Dr Brian Blick, Over time, regional anesthesia techniques have evolved and improved patient outcomes by using a range of materials, including local anesthetic agents such as lidocaine and bupivacaine as well as adjuvants like epinephrine that help prolong drug action. In this article we will look at three innovations in regional anesthesia techniques for enhanced patient outcomes: posterior interscalene block (PISB), lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block (LFCNB), and ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block (USGNB).
Posterior interscalene block
- Posterior interscalene block
- Anesthesia of the brachial plexus, shoulder and upper arm, axilla
Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block is a technique that can be used to provide analgesia for procedures on the posterior thigh or hip. The block can be performed using ultrasound guidance and is thought to be especially useful for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, those with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or diabetes mellitus, and obese patients who may have difficulty positioning themselves properly for surgery. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the lateral aspect of the femoral triangle and injecting anesthetic agents into its contents; this area contains nerves that will then numb sensation along the skin surface in this region.
Femoral nerve blocks
Femoral nerve blocks are a common way to numb the front of your thigh. The femoral nerve is a large nerve that runs down your leg from your lower back, through your buttock and down into your thigh. It supplies sensation to part of this area and controls muscle function as well.
Femoral blocks are administered using an ultrasound probe or needle inserted into an artery below the knee joint (popliteal fossa). This can be done in conjunction with ultrasound guidance or without it depending on circumstances such as patient anatomy or surgeon preference; either way has been shown to be effective for providing anesthesia in some studies but not others
Ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block
The sciatic nerve is the main nerve of the lower body, running from the pelvis to the toes. It divides into several branches that supply muscles in your legs and feet.
Ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block provides a safe way to numb this large area quickly and effectively. The procedure can be done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on your medical condition and preferences. If you have any concerns about whether this treatment is right for you, talk to your doctor about whether it would be beneficial for you based on their recommendation after an examination.
Conclusion
We are excited to share these innovations with you, and we hope they will help improve your patients’ outcomes.
