Median Nerve Block Techniques

Excerpt

A median nerve block is a simple, safe, and effective method of obtaining anesthesia to the palmar aspect of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, radial portion of the palm, and ring finger. Landmark-based techniques have been utilized for decades with success. However, since the introduction and widespread use of ultrasound, clinicians can obtain more consistent anesthesia with smaller volumes and fewer complications. Peripheral nerve blockade of the hand has been used primarily in the peri-operative and post-operative settings by anesthesiologists and hand surgeons, although emergency physicians and traumatologists have become more familiar with these blocks in the setting of acute pain and trauma.