Superior Cluneal Nerve Block for Treatment of Buttock Abscesses in the Emergency Department

Abstract

The buttock is a common location for cutaneous abscesses among patients presenting for emergency department care. Procedural pain management sufficient to permit adequate incision and drainage often requires moderate sedation or general anesthesia. We describe a patient with a buttock abscess who successfully underwent incision and drainage with a regional superior cluneal nerve blockade instead of moderate sedation. Our experience suggests that superior cluneal nerve blockade may reduce the need for procedural sedation, expedite care, and reduce costs for some patients presenting with buttock abscesses.