Anesthesia, Upper Limb Blocks

Regional anesthesia and the incorporation of peripheral nerve blocks allows for localized, targeted anesthesia for both surgical anesthesia and post-operative pain control. By focusing on a specific location, systemic, generalized adverse effects can be avoided. To perform a peripheral nerve block, the provider must have the appropriate equipment (peripheral nerve needles, local anesthetics) and a targeted nerve structure. Surgical duration should be taken into account when choosing a local anesthetic for a true surgical block. Literature has shown that one of the most important factors is the mass or total dosage of the local anesthetic. Multiple adjuncts can be used in combination with local anesthetics to decrease the time of onset, increase duration, and increase the quality and density of the block.