Effects Of Peripheral Nerve Block Research Articles

Effect of dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion on the analgesic duration of peripheral nerve blocks in dogs: a randomized clinical study

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine could prolong the analgesic effect of peripheral nerve blocks. Twenty client-owned dogs were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. The DEX group received dexmedetomidine infusion at 1 mcg kg−1 h−1, and the NaCl group received an equivalent volume infusion of saline. Infusions were started after securing vascular access and continued for 10 min, after which intravenous (IV) methadone at 0.2 mg kg−1 and propofol to effect were administered. All animals were maintained with isoflurane in 70% oxygen. Sciatic, saphenous and obturator nerve blocks were performed using 0.1 mL kg−1 0.5% ropivacaine/block. Intraoperative fentanyl was administered if the heart rate and/or mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased > 15% from the previous measurement, and vasopressors were administered if MAP was ≤ 70 mmHg. Postoperative pain was assessed every hour using the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (GCPS) until the first rescue analgesia administration. Postoperative rescue analgesia (methadone (0.2 mg kg−1 IV) and carprofen (2 mg kg−1 IV)) was administered if the pain score was higher than 6/24 or 5/20. Duration of analgesia was defined as the time between the nerve block procedure and initial postoperative rescue analgesia. Ambulation, proprioception, and skin sensitivity were evaluated to assess the duration of the motor and sensory block. A Student T and chi-square test were used to compare groups for duration of postoperative analgesia and intraoperative fentanyl and vasopressor use, respectively (p values ≤ 0.5 considered significant). A greater number of dogs in the NaCl group required fentanyl (5/10 p = 0.03) and vasopressors (8/10, p = 0.02) than did those in the DEX group (0/10 and 2/10, respectively). The duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer (604 ± 130 min) in the DEX group than in the NaCl group (400 ± 81 min, p = 0.0005).Dexmedetomidine infusion at 1 mcg kg−1 h−1 delays the time to first administration of rescue analgesia and reduces intraoperative analgesic and vasopressor requirements during Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery.

Effectiveness of Peripheral Nerve Block in Terms of Search for a Standardized Treatment Protocol in Diabetic Foot Patients Using Anticoagulants: A Double-Center Study.

Lower-extremity amputation for a diabetic foot is mainly performed under general or central neuraxial anesthesia. Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block (PNB) can be a good alternative, especially for patients who require continuous anticoagulation treatment and patients with additional comorbidities. We evaluated bleeding due to PNB application in patients with diabetic foot receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Perioperative morbidity and mortality and the need for intensive care hospitalization were analyzed. This study included 105 patients with diabetic foot or debridement who underwent distal foot amputation or debridement between February and October 2020. Popliteal nerve block (17 mL of 5% bupivacaine and 3 mL of saline) and saphenous nerve block (5 mL of 2% lidocaine) were applied to the patients. Postoperative pain scores (at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours) and complications due to PNB were evaluated. Intensive care admission and 1-month mortality were recorded. The most common diseases accompanying diabetes were hypertension and peripheral artery disease. No complications due to PNB were observed. Mean ± SD postoperative first analgesic need was determined to be 14.1 ± 4.1 hours. Except for one patient, this group was followed up without the need for postoperative intensive care. In 16 patients, bleeding occurred as leakage from the surgical area, and it was stopped with repeated pressure dressing. Mean ± SD patient satisfaction score was 8.36 ± 1.59. Perioperative mortality was not observed. Ultrasound-guided PNB can be an effective and safe anesthetic technique for diabetic patients undergoing distal foot amputation, especially those receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy and considered high risk.

Effect of peripheral nerve block versus general anesthesia on the hemodynamics and prognosis of diabetic patients undergoing diabetic foot Surgery

BackgroundDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a significant foot-related concern for patients with multiple co-morbidities, and surgical intervention is often employed. Notably, peripheral nerve block anesthesia (PNB) has emerged as a new approach for the surgical management of DFUs, providing sustained hemodynamic stability and superior postoperative pain control compared to general anesthesia (GEA).MethodsThe present study utilized a retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients who met the inclusion criteria for DFUs over a period of 7 years. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of anesthesia employed during the procedure: GEA or PNB. Extensive patient information was gathered and analyzed, such as demographics, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, and healing outcomes. The preliminary results assessed in this study were intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative analgesic efficacy.ResultsDuring the study period, 117 patients received surgical therapy based on GEA, while 145 patients received PNB. Notably, the mean intraoperative blood pressure was significantly lower in the GEA group, and this difference remained statistically significant even after Bonferroni adjustment using linear mixed models. Additionally, the frequency of hypotensive episodes was higher in the GEA group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the perioperative transfusion volume, overall intraoperative fluid input, and intraoperative bleeding volume were significantly more significant in the GEA group than in the PNB group. The postoperative pain NRS scores differed considerably between the two groups (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.01), with the GEA group exhibiting higher opioid consumption on the day of surgery and the first postoperative day when using patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). Supplemental analgesic medication was more significant in the GEA group 24 h postoperatively. However, the two groups had no difference in hospital stay or treatment outcomes. There was no difference between the two groups regarding secondary surgery and amputation procedures. Although the 5-year mortality rate is 30.5%, no significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups was observed.ConclusionsCompared to GEA, PNB is a safe and effective alternative therapy for managing DFUs. Our findings suggest that PNB administration during surgical intervention for this condition results in more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and superior postoperative analgesic effects, despite no significant difference in overall treatment outcomes between the two groups. The two groups did not differ in re-surgery, amputation, or 5-year mortality.

Peripheral Nerve Blockade in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study with Propensity Score Matching.

The effect of peripheral nerve block (PNB) according to leg lengthening following total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been studied yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PNB according to the change in leg length after THA. From January 2016 to August 2021, 353 patients who underwent unilateral THA for osteonecrosis of the femoral head or osteoarthritis of the hip joint were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups for comparison: 217 patients who controlled postoperative pain using only intravenous venous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) (PCA group) and 136 patients who controlled postoperative pain using PNB and IV PCA (PCA + PNB group). We further divided the patients into two groups (leg lengthening after surgery < 10 mm and >10 mm) and compared them. After propensity score matching, the PCA and PCA + PNB groups, with 134 patients each, were compared and analyzed. The pain intensity at rest was significantly lower in the PCA + PNB group compared with that in the PCA group at postoperative 6, 24, and 48 h (p = 0.0001, 0.0009, and <0.0001, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, for patients whose limb lengthening was less than 10 mm after THA, the pain intensity at rest was significantly lower in the PCA + PNB group compared with that in the PCA group at postoperative 24 and 48 h (p = 0.0165 and 0.0015, respectively). However, in patients whose limb lengthening was more than 10 mm after THA, there was no significant difference between the pain intensity at activity and rest in the two groups at postoperative 6, 24, and 48 h (p > 0.05). PNB did not show superiority in terms of pain reduction in patients whose limb lengthening was more than 10 mm after THA. Further investigations on methods for reducing pain in patients whose leg length is increased by more than 10 mm are needed.

The Effect of Peripheral Nerve Block on Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults Undergoing Hip Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) reduce postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022328320). The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on 26 April 2022. A total of 19 RCTs with 1977 participants were included. Perioperative PNB lowered the POD incidence on the third postoperative day (OR: 0.59, 95% CI [0.40 to 0.87], p = 0.007, I2 = 35%), in patients without underlying cognitive impairment (OR: 0.47, 95% CI [0.30 to 0.74], p = 0.001, I2 = 30%), and when a fascia iliaca compartment block (OR: 0.58, 95% CI [0.37 to 0.91], p = 0.02, I2 = 0%) or a femoral nerve block (OR: 0.33, 95% CI [0.11 to 0.99], p = 0.05, I2 = 66%) were performed. The pain score was also reduced (SMD: -0.83, 95% CI [-1.36 to -0.30], p = 0.002, I2 = 95%) after PNB. Perioperative PNB can lower the POD incidence and pain scores up to the third postoperative day. However, considering the wide variety of PNBs performed, more trials are needed to identify the effects of each PNB on POD.

Postoperative Pain Control by Local Infiltration Analgesia and Peripheral Nerve Block in Primary Prosthetic Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background and ObjectivePostoperative (post-op) pain control has an important impact on post-op rehabilitation. The logistics of its maintenance challenge the effect of peripheral nerve block on post-op pain control, with the risk for post-op complications. We hypothesized that perioperative use of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is comparable to post-op pain control by peripheral nerve block.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated three groups of patients treated with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to symptomatic end-stage osteoarthritis with post-op pain control by LIA (LIA group, n=52), femoral plus sciatic nerve block (FSNB) (FSNB group, n=54), and without local or regional analgesia as controls (Control group, n=53). The primary outcome variable was the post-op pain level intensity as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcome variables were knee function measured by the Knee Society Score (KSS) and the quadriceps muscle strength recovery profile.ResultsUp to 4 hours post-op, pain intensity was significantly lower in FSNB patients (P<0.05). This effect of the peripheral nerve block on the pain level disappeared 6 hours post-op. The LIA and FSNB patients showed a significant decrease in pain intensity on days 2 and 3 post-op (P<0.05) with no mutual differences (P>0.05). This effect disappeared on day 4 post-op (P>0.05). The KSS score showed similar significant improvement of functional abilities (P<0.001) in all three groups. There was no difference in KSS scores among the groups 6 months after surgery (P>0.05). Quadriceps muscle recovery profile was similar in the LIA and Control groups, but significantly poorer in the FSNB group (P<0.001).ConclusionThe value of very short-term and improved pain relief of post-op FSNB over LIA of the surgical wound should be carefully weighed against its cost, logistics, and potential complication threat.

Comparing the effects of peripheral nerve block and general anesthesia with general anesthesia alone on postoperative delirium and complications in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide database

IntroductionThe difference between the effects of peripheral nerve block (PNB) with general anesthesia (GA) and GA alone on the patients’ postoperative clinical outcomes remains unknown. We assessed whether there is...

Effectiveness of Peripheral Median, Radial, and Ulnar Nerve Block at Wrist along with Intra-Articular Steroid Injection in Shoulder Joint in Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of Upper Limb: 1-Week Follow-Up Study.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of upper limbs is one of the under-recognized painful disabling condition seen in many neurological conditions. To see the effectiveness of peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) along with intra-articular injection in shoulder joint in the improvement of pain, swelling and range of motion (ROM) of the upper limb in CRPS. It was a single-center, prospective study in male and female patients between 18 and 70 years with CRPS of the upper limb due to any etiology, within one year of illness. Single-dose of the intra-articular shoulder joint injection and peripheral nerve blocks at the wrist with steroid, 2% lignocaine, and sterile water was given. The primary outcome measure was a reduction in pain in the upper limb, assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures were an improvement in passive ROM of joints and a decrease in swelling of the hand. The significance of the P value was adjudged against an alpha of 0.05. Thirty-three patients (25 men), with a mean (SD) age of 55.2 (9.4) years, and mean (SD) duration of illness of 101.9 (76.8) days were included. After 1 week, there was a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the ROM of joints. The decrease in pain scores on VAS [mean difference -5.1 (CI -5.7, -4.5)] and reduction in hand swelling [mean difference -0.9 (CI -1.1, -0.7)] was also significant. Peripheral median, radial, and ulnar nerve block at wrist along with intra-articular steroid injection in the shoulder joint is an effective method of management of CRPS of the upper limb.

Postoperative Analgesic Effectiveness of Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to determine the analgesic effectiveness of peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs), including each anatomical approach, with or without intrathecal morphine (ITMP) in cesarean delivery (CD). All relevant randomized controlled trials comparing the analgesic effectiveness of PNBs with or without ITMP after CD until July 2021. The two co-primary outcomes were designated as (1) pain at rest 6 h after surgery and (2) postoperative cumulative 24-h morphine equivalent consumption. Secondary outcomes were the time to first analgesic request, pain at rest 24 h, and dynamic pain 6 and 24 h after surgery. Seventy-six studies (6278 women) were analyzed. The combined ilioinguinal nerve and anterior transversus abdominis plane (II-aTAP) block in conjunction with ITMP had the highest SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curve) values for postoperative rest pain at 6 h (88.4%) and 24-h morphine consumption (99.4%). Additionally, ITMP, ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block in conjunction with ITMP, lateral TAP block, and wound infiltration (WI) or continuous infusion (WC) below the fascia also showed a significant reduction in two co-primary outcomes. Only the II-aTAP block had a statistically significant additional analgesic effect compared to ITMP alone on rest pain at 6 h after surgery (−7.60 (−12.49, −2.70)). In conclusion, combined II-aTAP block in conjunction with ITMP is the most effective post-cesarean analgesic strategy with lower rest pain at 6 h and cumulative 24-h morphine consumption. Using the six described analgesic strategies for postoperative pain management after CD is considered reasonable. Lateral TAP block, WI, and WC below the fascia may be useful alternatives in patients with a history of sensitivity or severe adverse effects to opioids or when the CD is conducted under general anesthesia.

Clinical Effectiveness of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Diagnosis of Migraine Trigger Points.

With a 13 percent global prevalence, migraine headaches are the most commonly diagnosed neurologic disorder, and are a top five cause of visits to the emergency room. Surgical techniques, such as decompression and/or ablation of neurovasculature, have shown to provide relief. Popular diagnostic modalities to identify trigger loci include handheld Doppler examinations and botulinum toxin injection. This article aims to establish the positive predictive value of peripheral nerve blocks for identifying therapeutic surgical targets for migraine headache surgery. Electronic medical records of 36 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients underwent peripheral nerve blocks using 1% lidocaine with epinephrine and subsequent surgery on identified migraine headache trigger sites. Patients were grouped into successful and unsuccessful blocks and further categorized into successful and unsuccessful surgery subgroups. Group analysis was performed using paired t tests, and positive-predictive value calculations were performed on subgroups. The preoperative Migraine Headache Index of patients with positive blocks was 152.71, versus 34.26 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Each index component also decreased significantly: frequency (22.11 versus 15.06 migraine headaches per month; p < 0.001), intensity (7.43 versus 4.12; p < 0.001), and duration (0.93 versus 0.55 days; p < 0.001). The positive-predictive value of diagnostic peripheral nerve blocks in identifying a migraine headache trigger site responsive to surgical intervention was calculated to be 0.89 (95 percent CI, 1 to 0.74). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the positive-predictive value of peripheral nerve blocks as used in the diagnostic workup of patients with chronic migraine headaches. Peripheral nerve blocks serve as a reliable clinical tool in mapping migraine trigger sites for surgical intervention while offering more flexibility in their administration and recording as compared to established diagnostic methods. . Diagnostic, IV.

Perbedaan Respon Hemodinamik terhadap Penambahan Clonidin 1 dan 2 mcg/kgbb pada Scalp Block untuk Operasi Kraniotomi

Bacground and Objective: The addition of a levobupivacaine scalp block is effective in reducing hemodynamic responses such as blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse rate, especially when pinning, skin incisions, and durameter incisions in craniotomy. Adjuvants are often added to local anesthetics to enhance and prolong the analgesic effect of peripheral nerve blocks. Clonidine has a synergistic action with local anesthetic agents. Clonidine increases sensory and motor blocks in both peripheral and neuraxial blocks. The common dose is 2 mcg/kgbw. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of adding clonidine 2 mcg/kg and 1 mcg/kg on scalp block as craniotomy analgesic. Subjects and Methods: Study on 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. Subjects were divided into three groups, group I: scalp block with levobupivacain 0.25%, group II: scalp block plus clonidine 1 mcg/kg, group III: scalp block plus clonidine 2mcg/kg. All patients were treated with general anesthesia according to the standard then assessed their blood pressure, MAP, pulse rate before intubation, pinning, skin incision and duramater incision. Results: There was a significant difference in the addition of clonidine with the control group, especially in the pulse and diastolic rates. Clonidine 2 mcg/kg at several times showed a significant difference compared to 1 mcg/kgbb dose. Conclusion: The clonidine addition to scalp block of levobupivacaine was effective in maintening hemodynamic responses, especially pulse rate and diastolic blood pressure.

Long-term analgesic effects of peripheral nerve block in patients with central post-stroke pain: A retrospective series.

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of post-stroke patients. However, no definitive and effective method has been established yet for the treatment of CPSP. We aimed to examine the applicability of single-injection peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) for the treatment of CPSP. In this retrospective study, we included 22 patients (mean age = 56.3years; 13 men and 9 women) diagnosed with CPSP who visited an outpatient rehabilitation clinic in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between December 2018 and April 2020. The patients underwent ultrasound-guided single-injection PNB (lidocaine+epinephrine [1: 200,000]) according to the primary site of pain. The level of pain (measured using a numeric rating scale) was recorded before and after the PNB, and the occurrence of adverse events were also measured. The primary outcome of this study was the amount of pain reduction after PNB. Secondary outcome measures obtained 1month after the PNB included the pain reduction rate 1month after the PNB, the patient-reported satisfaction and effectiveness regarding the PNB, intention for re-injection, and the patients' willingness to recommend this procedure to others. The mean pain reduction after PNB was 3.3±2.8. PNB was associated with pain reduction that persisted for greater than 1month in 68% (15/22) of the patients. Thirteen of 22 patients reported a pain reduction of 50% or more. The mean pain reduction rate was 43.6%. Of the 22 patients, 13 were willing to undergo a second round of treatment with PNB. Nine of them underwent the procedure. No adverse events were observed in this study. Our study provides preliminary data suggesting that PNB could be an effective and feasible method to treat CPSP.

Comparison of Peripheral Nerve Block and Spinal Anesthesia in Terms of Postoperative Mortality and Walking Ability in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients - A Retrospective, Propensity-Score Matched Study.

PurposeTo compare the effects of peripheral nerve block (PNB) and spinal anesthesia (SA) on one-year mortality and walking ability of elderly hip fracture patients after hip arthroplasty.MethodsPatients ≥65 years who underwent unilateral hip arthroplasty due to femoral neck fracture, using either PNB or SA from 2014 to 2019, were included. Demographic data, comorbidities, and results of preoperative screening were retrospectively collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in a ratio of 1:1 for PNB and SA groups. The primary outcomes were 30-day, 90-day, and one-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included walking ability in the first postoperative year, major complications, length of stay, and the cost of hospitalization. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsThree hundred and sixteen patients were included, of whom 200 received SA and 116 received PNB. Eighty-nine patients in each group were matched after PSM. Patients in the PNB group showed significantly lower risks of death in 30 days (2.2% vs 10.1%, P=0.029) and 90 days (3.4% vs 12.4%, P=0.026) after hip arthroplasty, when compared to the SA group. There was no significant difference in one-year mortality, walking ability, major complications, and length of stay. Higher hospitalization cost was found in the PNB group (53,828.21 CNY vs 59,278.83 CNY, P=0.024). One-year accumulated survival rate was higher in the PNB group without reaching a significant level.ConclusionPNB was related to lower 30- and 90-day mortality but higher hospitalization cost in elderly hip fracture patients after hip arthroplasty. However, the anesthesia types were not associated with one-year mortality, one-year walking ability, major complications, and length of stay.

Safety and effectiveness of ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks: Audit at tertiary care hospital.

To assess the safety and effectiveness of peripheral nerve blocks using ultrasound. The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of all patients who received peripheral nerve blocks as part of anaesthesia care between January 2015 and January 2017. The data included outcomes of peripheral nerve block effectiveness, complications and limb conditions after the block. Peripheral nerve block effectiveness was assessed by monitoring pain scores at rest and on movement, and the requirement of co-analgesia. Complications, like numbness, motor block, metallic taste, hypotension and respiratory depression, were also assessed. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. There were 299 patients who received ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks. The overall mean age was 44.57±16.64 years. Of the total, 140 (47%) received transversus abdominis plane block, followed by supraclavicular block 49(16.7%). The most common complication in the recovery room was numbness 19 (6.2%). Overall, 70% patients remained pain-free, while 16% had moderate pain on movement 12 hours postoperatively. Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia was found to provide effective analgesia during and after surgery. Nerve blocks proved to be safe when used with ultrasound.

What are the effects of peripheral nerve block for people with hip fracture?

What are the effects of peripheral nerve block for people with hip fracture?

The Effect of Peripheral Nerve Blocks on Emergency Department Utilization After Upper Extremity Surgery

The Effect of Peripheral Nerve Blocks on Emergency Department Utilization After Upper Extremity Surgery

Clinical Effectiveness of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Diagnosis of Migraine Trigger Points

BACKGROUND: With a 13% global prevalence, migraine headaches (MH) are the most commonly diagnosed neurologic disorder and are a top 5 cause of visits to the emergency room. Surgical techniques—such as decompression and/or ablation of neurovasculature—have shown to provide relief in patients suffering from MH. Popular diagnostic modalities to identify trigger loci include handheld doppler exams and botulinum toxin injection. This article aims to establish the positive predictive value (PPV) of peripheral nerve blocks for identifying therapeutic surgical targets for MH surgery. METHODS: Charts of 36 patients were retrospectively analyzed. These patients underwent peripheral nerve blocks using 1% lidocaine with epinephrine and subsequent surgery on identified MH trigger points. Patients were grouped into successful and unsuccessful blocks and further categorized into successful and unsuccessful surgery subgroups. Group analysis was done using paired t tests and PPV calculations were done on subgroups. RESULTS: Mean postsurgical follow-up was 11.5 months. Prior to surgery, Migraine headache index of patients was 168.16 versus 43.69 after surgery (P < 0.001). Each of the components of Migraine headache index also significantly decreased: frequency (24.54 MH/mo versus 8.53; P < 0.001), intensity (7.33 versus 4.75; P < 0.001), and duration (0.8 days versus 0.39; P < 0.001). The PPV of diagnostic peripheral nerve blocks in identifying a MH trigger point responsive to surgical intervention was calculated to be 0.89 (95% CI, 1, 0.74). CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve blocks serve as a clinical tool in mapping migraine trigger points for surgical intervention while offering more flexibility in their administration and recording as compared to established diagnostic methods.

Effect of Peripheral Nerve Blocks with Low Dose Lignocaine for the Treatment of Acute Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Pilot Study

Background: One of the most common ailments that plagues patients is Low back pain. Approximately 80% of the population developing some form of back pain in their lifetime. Up regulated sodium channels is the basic cause in the nerve root or dorsal root ganglion for the mechano-sensitization. Functionally both ends of the pseudo unipolar neuron are the same hence injecting the drug in the peripheral end of the nerve will block these sodium channels. Methods: Open labelled single group pilot study was conducted on patients reporting at the Pain Clinic of AIIMS, Rishikesh after obtaining consent. In the operation theatre patients received one or two peripheral nerve blocks at a maximum according to their nerve involvement. Outcomes were assessed immediately after injection and at 1st, 2nd, 3rd week after the proposed interventions. Results: 30 patients were included in the study. No procedural complications were noted in these 30 patients as the given dose is very less and the site of injection is peripheral. Significant fall in NRS is observed at every visit. Only two patients reported back to pain clinic without pain relief. Conclusion: Peripheral nerve block injection can be used as adjuvant for acute low back ache which is very simple can be administered in an OPD setting without the help of fluoroscopy guidance. Further studies with control group are needed to establish their efficacy.

Reversing the Effects of a Peripheral Nerve Block with Normal Saline: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to determine whether or not the effects of peripheral nerve block can be reversed by flushing normal saline down a peripheral nerve block catheter following the completion of arteriovenous (AV) fistula surgery.MethodsIn the present study, 38 patients undergoing AV fistula surgery were recruited, and a brachial plexus block with a peripheral nerve catheter was established. Following surgery, the patients were randomised to either the control group or the washout group, where 10 mL of normal saline was flushed down the peripheral nerve catheter at 15-minute intervals for 1 h while the patients were in the postoperative recovery room. An observer blinded to the patient group allocation assessed motor and sensory functions in all patients at 15-minute intervals for 1 h, and pain scores were recorded.ResultsThere was no difference in time to resolution of motor or sensory block in the two groups. The median changes in the motor score were 1.5 out of 10 for the control group and 2 for the washout group (p=0.95). The median changes in the sensory score were 3 out of 10 for the control group and 1 for the washout group (p=0.14). There were no differences in pain scores over the study period in either group (p=0.44).ConclusionWe were unable to show any useful improvement in block resolution with normal saline washout of supraclavicular or infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks following AV fistula surgery.

Blood Flow Index Versus Temperature to Evaluate the Effect of Peripheral Nerve Block

Blood Flow Index Versus Temperature to Evaluate the Effect of Peripheral Nerve Block