Abstract
This chapter will discuss peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) of the lower extremity. There are relatively few reports about complications associated with the use of PNBs in general and also about the mechanisms of injury after nerve blockade and methods to prevent them.
Access provided by Autonomous University of Puebla. Download to read the full chapter text
Chapter PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
References
Hadžić A. www.NYSORA.com. New York School of Regional Anesthesia.
Enneking FK, Chan V, Greger J, Hadžić A, Lang SA, Horlocker TT. Lower extremity peripheral nerve blockade: essentials of our understanding. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2005; 30(1):4–35.
Cheney FW. High severity injuries associated with RA in the 1990s. Am Soc Anesthesiol Newslett 2001;65:6–8.
Ben-David B. Complications of regional anaesthesia. Anesthesiol Clin North Am 2002; 20:427–429.
Fitzgibbon DR. Liability arising from anaesthesiology-based pain management in the nonoperative setting. Am Soc Anesth Newslett 2001;65:12–15.
Lee LA, Posner KL, Domino KB, Caplan RA, Cheney FW. Injuries associated with regional anaesthesia in the 1980s and 1990s. A closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 2004;101:143–152.
Auroy Y, Narchi P, Messiah A, Litt L, Rouvier B, Samii K. Serious complications related to regional anaesthesia: results of a prospective survey in France. Anesthesiology 1997; 87(3):479–486.
Clergue F, Auroy Y, Pequignot F, Jougla E, Lienhart A, Laxenaire MC. French survey of anesthesia in 1996. Anesthesiology 1999;91(5):1509–1529.
Auroy Y, Benhamou D, Bargues L, et al. Major complications of regional anesthesia in France: the SOS regional anesthesia hotline service. Anesthesiology 2002;97(5):1274–1280.
Faccenda K, Finucane BT. Complications of regional anaesthesia. Drug Saf 2001;24(6):413–442.
DiFazio CA. Adjuvant techniques to improve the success of regional anesthesia, mixtures. In: Raj PP, ed. Clinical Practice of Regional Anesthesia. New York: Churchill-Livingstone; 1991:154–160.
Pitcher C. Adjuvant techniques to improve the success of regional anesthesia, nerve stimulation. In: Raj PP, ed. Clinical Practice of Regional Anesthesia. New York: Churchill-Livingstone; 1991:161–169.
Baranowsky AP, Pither CE. A comparison of three methods of axillary brachial plexus anaesthesia. Anaesthesia 1990;45:362–365.
Fanelli G. Peripheral nerve block with electric nerve stimulation. Minerva Anestesiol 1992;58:1025–1026.
Fanelli G, Casati A, Garancini P, Torri G. Nerve stimulator and multiple injection technique for upper and lower limb blockade: failure rate, patient acceptance and neurologic complications. Anesth Analg 1999;88(4):847–852.
Casati A, Fanelli G, Beccaria P, Magistris L, Albertin A, Torri G. The effects of single or multiple injections on the volume of 0.5% ropivacaine required for femoral nerve blockade. Anesth Analg 2001;93:183–186.
Goldberg ME, Gregg C, Larijani GE, Norris MC, Marr AT, Seltzer JL. A comparison of three methods of axillary approach to brachial plexus blockade for upper extremity surgery. Anesthesiology 1987;66:814–816.
Selander D, Edshage S, Wolff T. Paresthesia or no paresthesia? Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1979;23:27–33.
Marhofer P, Greher M, Kapral S. Ultrasound guidance in regional anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth 2005;94(1):7–17.
La Grange P, Foster PA, Pretorius LK. Application of the Doppler ultrasound bloodflow detector in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Br J Anaesth 1978;50:965–967.
Greher M, Retzl G, Niel P, Kamholz L, Marhofer P, Kapral S. Ultrasonographic assessment of topographic anatomy in volunteers suggests a modification of the infraclavicular vertical brachial block. Br J Anaesth 2002;88:632–636.
Peterson MK. Ultrasound guided nerve blocks. Br J Anaesth 2002;88:621–624.
Fornage BD. Peripheral nerves of the extremity: imaging with ultrasound. Radiology 1988;167:179–182.
Steiner E, Nasel C. Sonography of peripheral nerves: basic principles. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1998;42(suppl 112):46–48.
Thierney E, Lewis G, Hurtig JB, Johnson D. Femoral nerve block with bupivacaine 0.25 per cent for postoperative analgesia after open knee surgery. Can J Anaesth 1987; 34:455–458.
Marhofer P, Schrögendorfer K, Koinig H, Kapral S, Weinstabl C, Mayer N. Ultrasonographic guidance improves sensory block and onset time of three-in-one blocks. Anesth Analg 1997;85:854–857.
Marhofer P, Schrögendorfer K, Wallner T, Koinig H, Mayer N, Kapral S. Ultrasonographic guidance reduces the amount of local anesthetic for 3-in-l blocks. Reg Anesth Pain Med 1998;23:584–588.
Parkinson SK, Mueller JB, Little WL, Bailey SL. Extent of blockade with various approaches to the lumbar plexus. Anesth Analg 1989;68:243–248.
Kirchmair L, Entner T, Wissel J, Morrigl B, Kapral S, Mitterschiffthaler G. A study of the paravertebral anatomy for ultrasound-guided posterior lumbar plexus block. Anesth Analg 2001;93:477–481.
Kirchmair L, Entner T, Kapral S, Mitterschiffthaler G. Ultrasound guidance for the psoas compartment block: an imaging study. Anesth Analg 2002;94:706–710.
Davies MJ, McGlade DP. One hundred sciatic nerve blocks: a comparison of localisation techniques. Anaesth Intensive Care 1993;21:76–78.
Morris GF, Lang SA, Dust WN, Van der Wal M. The parasacral sciatic nerve block. Reg Anesth 1997;22:223–228.
Marhofer P, Greher M, Kapral S. Ultrasound guidance in regional anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth 2005;94:7–17.
Kroll DA, Caplan RA, Posner K, et al. Nerve injury associated with anesthesia. Anesthesiology 1990;73:202–207.
Liguori GA. Complications of regional anesthesia. Nerve injury and peripheral neural blockade. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 2004;16:84–86.
Schroeder LE, Horlocker TT, Schroeder DR. The efficacy of axillary block for surgical procedures about the elbow. Anesth Analg 1996;83:747–751.
Horlocker TT, Kufner RP, Bishop AT, et al. The risk of persistent paresthesia is not increased with repeated axillary block. Anesth Analg 1999;88:382–387.
Stan TC, Krantz MA, Solomon DL, et al. The incidence of neurovascular complications following axillary brachial plexus block using a transarterial approach. Reg Anesth 1995;20: 486–492.
Urban MK, Urquart B. Evaluation of brachial plexus anesthesia for upper extremity surgery. Reg Anesth 1994;19:175–182.
Borgeat A, Ekatodramis G, Kalberer F, et al. Acute and non acute complications associated with interscalene block and shoulder surgery. A prospective study. Anesthesiology 2001;95:875–880.
Hartung HJ, Rupprecht A. The axillary brachial plexus block: a study of 178 patients. Reg Anaesth 1989;12:21–24.
Benumoff JL. Permanent loss of cervical spinal cord function associated with interscalene block performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesiology 2000;93:1541–1544.
Kalichman MW, Powell HC, Myers RR. Quantitative histologic analysis of local anesthetic-induced injury to rat sciatic nerve. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1989;20: 406–413.
Seiander D, Brattsand R, Lundborg G, et al. Local anesthetics: importance of mode of application, concentration, and adrenaline for the appearance of nerve lesions — an experimental study of axonal degeneration and barrier damage after intrafascicular injection or topical application of bupivacaine (Marcain). Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1979;23: 127–136.
Selander D, Mansson LG, Karlsson L, Svanvik J. Adrenergic vasoconstriction in peripheral nerves of the rabbit. Anesthesiology 1985;62:6–10.
Ben-David B. Complications of peripheral blockade. Anesthesiol Clin North Am 2002;20: 695–707.
Komorowski TE, Shepard B, Okland S, Carlson BM. An electron microscopic study of local anesthetic-induced skeletal muscle fibre degeneration and regeneration in the monkey. J Orthop Res 1990;8:495–503.
Yagiela JA, Benoit PW, Buoncristiani RD, et al. Comparison of myotoxic effects of lidocaine with epinephrine in rats and humans. Anesth Analg 1981;60:471–480.
Pham-Dang C, Beaumont S, Floch H, Bodin J, Winer A, Pinaud M. Acute toxicity accident following lumbar plexus block with bupivacaine [French]. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 2000;19:356–359.
Breslin DS, Martin G, Macleod DB, D’Ercole F, Grant SA. Central nervous system toxicity following the administration of levobupivacaine for lumbar plexus block: a report of two cases. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2003;28:144–147.
Mullanu C, Gaillat F, Scemama F, Thibault S, Lavand’homme P, Auffray J P. Acute toxicity of local anesthetic ropivacaine and mepivacaine during combined lumbar plexus and sciatic block for hip surgery. Acta Anesthesiol Belg 2002;53:221–223.
Petitjeans F, Mion G, Puidupin M, Tourtier JP, Hutson C, Saissy JM. Tachycardia and convulsions induced by accidental intravascular ropivacaine injection during sciatic block. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2002;46:616–617.
Brown DL, Ransom DM, Hall JA, Leicht CH, Schroeder DR, Offord KP. Regional anesthesia and local anesthetic induced systemic toxicity: seizure frequency and accompanying cardiovascular changes. Anesth Analg 1995;81:321–328.
Cuvillon P, Ripart J, Lalourcey L, et al. The continuous femoral nerve block catheter for postoperative analgesia: bacteria colonization, infectious rate and adverse effects. Anesth Analg 2001;93:1045–1049.
Jöhr M. A complication of continuous femoral nerve block [German]. Reg Anaesth 1987;10: 37–38.
Capdevila X, Barthelet Y, Biboulet P, Ryckwaert Y, Rubenovitch J, D’Athis F. Effects of perioperative analgesic technique on the surgical outcome and duration of rehabilitation after major knee surgery. Anesthesiology 1999;91:8–15.
Weller RS, Gerancher JC, Crews JC, Wade KL. Extensive retroperitoneal hematoma without neurologic deficit in two patients who underwent lumbar plexus block and were later anticoagulated. Anesthesiology 2003;98:581–585.
Aveline C, Bonnet F. Delayed retroperitoneal haematoma after failed lumbar plexus block. Br J Anaesth 2004;93(4):589–591.
Klein SM, D’Ercole F, Greengrass RA, Warner DS. Enoxaparin associated with psoas hematoma and lumbar plexopathy after lumbar plexus block. Anesthesiology 1997;87: 1576–1579.
Aromaa U, Lahdensuu M, Cazanitis DA. Severe complications associated with epidural and spinal anaesthesias in Finland 1987–1993. A study based on patient insurance claims. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1997;41:445–452.
Wang LP, Hauerberg J, Schmidt JF. Incidence of spinal epidural abscess after epidural analgesia. Anaesthesiology 1999;91:1928–1936.
Bergamnn BD, Hebl JR, Kent J, Horlocker TT. Neurologic complications of 405 consecutive continuous axillary catheters. Anesth Analg 2003;96:247–252.
Adam F, Jaziri S, Chauvin M. Psoas abscess complicating femoral nerve block catheter. Anesthesiology 2003;99:230–231.
Cuvillon P, Ripart J, Lalourcey L, et al. The continuous femoral nerve block catheter for postoperative analgesia: bacterial colonization, infectious rate and adverse effects. Anesth Analg 2001;93:1045–1049.
Hebl JR, Horlocker TT. You’re not as clean as you think! The role of asepsis in reducing infectious complications related to regional anesthesia. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2003;28(5):376–379.
Bernstein IT, Hansen BJ. Iatrogenic psoas abscess. Case report. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1991;25:85–86.
Sato S, Sakuragi T, Dan K. Human skin flora as a potential source of epidural abscess. Anesthesiology 1996;85:1276–1282.
Saloojee H, Steenhoff A. The health professional’s role in preventing nosocomial infections. Postgrad Med J 2001;77:16–19.
Cheney FW, Domino KB, Caplan RA, Posner KL. Nerve injury associated with anesthesia: a closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 1999;90:1062–1069.
Warner MA, Warner DO, Harper CM, Schroeder DR, Maxson PM. Lower extremity neuropathies associated with lithotomy positions. Anesthesiology 2000;93:938–942.
Gruson KI, Moed BR. Injury of the femoral nerve associated with acetabular fracture. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 2003;85A:428–431.
Slater N, Singh R, Senasinghe N, Gore R, Goroszeniuk T, James D. Pressure monitoring of the femoral nerve during total hip replacement: an explanation for iatropathic palsy. J R Coll Surg Edinb 2000;45:231–233.
Finsen V, Kasseth AM. Tourniquets in forefoot surgery: less pain when placed at the ankle. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 1997;79:99–101.
Schurman DJ. Ankle block anesthesia for foot surgery. Anesthesiology 1976;44: 348–352.
Lichtenfeld NS. The pneumatic ankle tourniquet with ankle block anesthesia for foot surgery. Foot Ankle 1992;13:344–349.
Barber FA, Click J, Britt BT. Complications of ankle arthroscopy. Foot Ankle 1990;10: 263–266.
Ferkel RD, Heath DD, Guhl J F. Neurological complications of ankle arthroscopy. Arthroscopy 1996;12:200–208.
Shevde K, Panagopoulos G. A survey of 800 patients’ knowledge attitudes and concerns regarding anesthesia. Anesth Analg 1991;73:190–198.
Hadžić A, Vloka JD, Kuroda MM, Koorn R, Birnbach DJ. The practice of peripheral nerve blocks in the United States: a national survey. Reg Anesth Pain Med 1998;23(3):241–246.
Katz J. A survey of anesthetic choice among anesthesiologists. Anesth Analg 1973;52: 373–375.
Broadman LM, Mesrobian R, Ruttimann U, McGill WA. Do anesthesiologists prefer a regional or a general anesthetic for themselves? [abstract] Reg Anesth 1985;11:57.
Buffington CW, Ready LB, Horton WG. Training and practice factors influence the use of regional anesthesia. Implications for resident education. Reg Anesth 1985;10: 2–6.
Bridenbaugh LD. Are anesthesia resident programs failing regional anesthesia? Reg Anesth 1982;7:26–28.
Kopacz DJ, Bridenbaugh LD. Are anesthesia residency training programs failing regional anesthesia? The past, present and future. Reg Anesth 1993;18:84–87.
Kopacz DJ, Neal JM. Regional anesthesia and pain medicine: residency training — the year 2000. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2002;27(1):9–14.
Chelly JE, Greger J, Gebhard R, Hagberg CA, Al-Samsam T, Khan A. Training of residents in peripheral nerve blocks during anaesthesiology residency. J Clin Anesth 2002;14(8):584–588.
Buist RJ. A survey of the practice of regional anaesthesia. J R Soc Med 1990;83:709–712.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Fanelli, G., Casati, A., Ghisi, D. (2007). Complications of Other Peripheral Nerve Blocks. In: Finucane, B.T. (eds) Complications of Regional Anesthesia. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68904-3_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68904-3_11
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-37559-5
Online ISBN: 978-0-387-68904-3
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)