Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Nov 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA paravenous approach for the saphenous nerve block.
This study assesses a paravenous approach for saphenous nerve block at approximately the level of the tibial tuberosity, and compares it with the conventional technique of blind subcutaneous infiltration between the tibial tuberosity and the gastrocnemius muscle. ⋯ The saphenous nerve can be blocked effectively by a paravenous approach using only 5 mL of local anesthetic solution. This approach is advantageous because of its easily identifiable landmark.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Nov 2001
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialAnatomic considerations in relation to the maxillary nerve block.
To determine the length of the needle that should be used to reach the maxillary nerve after the lateral pterygoid plate has been contacted. ⋯ The needle should not be advanced by more than approximately 0.25 cm beyond the distance to the pterygoid plate while performing maxillary nerve block by the lateral extraoral approach.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Nov 2001
Clinical TrialVibration sense testing with a 128-Hz tuning fork as a tool to determine recovery from epidural neuraxial block.
Vibration sense testing using a 128-Hz tuning fork is a commonly used test in the diagnosis of dorsal horn dysfunction and polyneuropathy. In this open, prospective study, we tested the hypothesis that vibration sense testing is a sensitive and specific method to assess recovery from epidural block. ⋯ Based on our observations, recovery of vibration sense corresponds with recovery of motor block after epidural anesthesia and may serve as an easy means of documenting recovery with a single test before discharge.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Nov 2001
Case ReportsContinuous brachial plexus block at the cervical level using a posterior approach in the management of neuropathic cancer pain.
Neuropathic cancer pain due to tumor growth near the brachial plexus is often treated with a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and oral or transdermal opioids. We propose placement of a catheter along the brachial plexus using a posterior approach for patients not responding to the above-mentioned treatment. ⋯ Continuous brachial plexus block should be considered in patients with severe neuropathic cancer pain in the arm and shoulder. To achieve sufficient pain relief for prolonged periods of time, a catheter was inserted to block the brachial plexus using a posterior approach. This technique may be a valuable alternative to the interscalene approach because of the improved fixation of the catheter in the muscle sheet of the trapezius, splenius cervicus, and levator scapulae muscles, and the decreased likelihood of catheter dislodgment during neck movements.