Techniques in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Management
Volume 11, Issue 3 , Pages 133-140, July 2007

Complications of peripheral nerve blocks

  • Anthony P. Berg, MD
    • ,
  • Richard W. Rosenquist, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress reprint requests and correspondence: Richard W. Rosenquist, MD, The University of Iowa, Department of Anesthesia, 200 Hawkins Drive 6 JCP, Iowa City, IA 52242.

Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

The use of peripheral nerve blocks for anesthesia and analgesia is rapidly expanding. Although these techniques have many benefits, they are not without risk. This article reviews complications related to performance of various regional anesthesia techniques. Specific attention is given to brachial plexus, intercostal, lumbar plexus and lower extremity blocks. A review of the current literature illustrates common as well as infrequently described complications. Finally, suggestions for decreasing the risk of developing complications while performing blocks are provided.

Keywords: Regional anesthesia, Peripheral nerve block, Complications, Brachial plexus, Lumbar plexus

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PII: S1084-208X(07)00045-6

doi:10.1053/j.trap.2007.05.004

Techniques in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Management
Volume 11, Issue 3 , Pages 133-140, July 2007

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