Safety and effectiveness of intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) for outpatient management of forearm trauma

Abstract

To assess the safety and effectiveness of intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) in the management of forearm injuries (i.e., forearm, wrist or hand) by primary care physicians at a diagnostic and treatment facility. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients at a single centre who underwent a Bier block for forearm injuries between September 2000 and March 2005. 1816 Bier blocks were performed on 1804 patients (64% male) during the study period. Patient age ranged from 4-70 (mean 25) years. Wrist fractures requiring reduction were the most common diagnosis. Adverse events were recorded in 9 cases (0.50%, 95% confidence interval 0.23%-0.94%): 1 case of medication error (0.06%); 3 of improper cuff inflation (0.17%); and 5 of inadequate analgesia (0.28%). None of the adverse events resulted in failure to complete the procedure or in serious morbidity or mortality. Bier block anesthesia is a safe, effective and reliable technique in an outpatient primary care setting. This technique is a useful modality for physicians who manage acute upper-extremity injuries.