Epinephrine in digital blocks: revisited

Ann Plast Surg. 1998 Oct;41(4):410-4. doi: 10.1097/00000637-199810000-00010.

Abstract

Digital block anesthesia with epinephrine, ring technique, and digital tourniquet have been implicated in causing finger gangrene. An extensive review of the literature provided no case of finger gangrene attributed solely to the adjunctive use of epinephrine with lidocaine for digital block. By causing vasoconstriction, epinephrine complements the local analgesic by prolonging the duration of action and providing a temporary hemostatic effect. Epinephrine augmentation of digital block anesthesia was used in the treatment of 23 finger injuries without a complication.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Local* / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Epinephrine* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / surgery
  • Fingers / blood supply
  • Hemostasis, Surgical
  • Humans
  • Lidocaine* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Block*
  • Vasoconstriction / drug effects

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Lidocaine
  • Epinephrine