Local and regional anesthesia
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To determine the dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% required for unilateral spinal anesthesia during diagnostic knee arthroscopy. ⋯ Unilateral sensory and motor block can be achieved with doses of 5 mg and 7.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% with a stable hemodynamic state. However, 7.5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% was the dose required for adequate unilateral spinal anesthesia.
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Stimulating peripheral nerve catheters have become increasingly popular as part of postoperative multimodal analgesia for total knee arthroplasty. We describe a case of a successful nonsurgical removal of a knotted stimulating femoral nerve catheter after saline expansion of the catheter pocket at the bedside. ⋯ We present a rare case of a knotted stimulating catheter in which the use of a saline bolus to dilate the catheter pocket proved to be successful after other simple methods of catheter removal had failed. Given the simple nature of this technique, it can be attempted at the bedside before more invasive procedures are planned.
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Direct central nervous system (CNS) analgesic delivery is a useful option when more traditional means of dealing with chronic pain fail. Solutions containing local anesthetic have been effective in certain disease states, particularly in patients suffering from intractable head and neck pain. This review discusses historical aspects of CNS drug delivery and the role of intrathecal bupivacaine-containing solutions in refractory head and neck pain patients.
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While ultrasound (US)-guided placement of peripheral nerve blocks is rapidly gaining popularity, expert practitioners agree that two of the most significant barriers to safety and efficacy are keeping the needle tip within the image and unintentional probe movement during the procedure.1 In addition, placing a nerve catheter past the needle tip under direct US observation requires two practitioners: one to hold the US probe and needle and another to advance the catheter. We present a case of a needle guidance system that attaches to the ultrasound probe and facilitates in-plane imaging. It enables a single practitioner to successfully execute a popliteal sciatic nerve block and visualize catheter placement. Therefore, a needle guidance system may represent an additional modification to ultrasound imaging that increases both time efficiency as well as safety.
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Treatment of localized post-traumatic neuropathic pain in scars with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster.
To evaluate the use of 5% lidocaine medicated plaster (LMP) for treating painful scars resulting from burns or skin degloving. ⋯ LMP was useful for treating painful scars with a neuropathic component, producing meaningful reductions in the intensity of pain and painful surface area. This is the first time that a decrease in the painful area has been demonstrated in neuropathic pain using topical therapy, and may reflect the disease-modifying potential of LMP.