Anaes · Regional anaesthesia
Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks
Also known as US-guided regional anaesthesia · Peripheral nerve block ultrasound · In-plane PNB · Regional anaesthesia safety
Exam-exhaustive ultrasound PNB: probe and needle skills, upper and lower limb block selection by surgery, fascial plane blocks, ultrasound vs nerve stimulator evidence, intraneural injection and LAST prevention, and ASRA anticoagulation principles for peripheral blocks.
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8 MCQs with explanations
Target exams
Red flags
Meet the patient
A 55-year-old man arrives for an open reduction of a fractured distal radius. You place a linear probe high in the axilla, identify the cord-like brachial plexus beside the axillary artery, and slide an in-plane needle toward it. A bright halo of local anaesthetic opens around the nerves, the hand goes numb, and the surgeon sets to work on a relaxed, bloodless limb.[1]
That single block carries the four skills this topic examines: matching the block to the incision, the in-plane discipline of a visible tip, the injection discipline of watched spread at low pressure, and the safety readiness of dose limits, anticoagulation checks and lipid at the bedside. Discipline plus anatomy passes; gadget worship without safety fails.[1][4]
You have read the opening of this topic. The complete unit — every section and its primary-source references — is part of the Anaesthesia fellowship atlas.
References4Show ledgerHide ledger
- [1]Wang ZX, Zhang DL, Liu XW, et al. Efficacy of ultrasound and nerve stimulation guidance in peripheral nerve block: A systematic review and meta-analysis IUBMB Life, 2017.PMID 28714206
- [2]Neal JM, Neal EJ, Weinberg GL American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity checklist: 2020 version Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2021.PMID 33148630
- [3]Narouze S, Benzon HT, Provenzano D, et al. Interventional Spine and Pain Procedures in Patients on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications (Second Edition): Guidelines From the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the International Neuromodulation Society, the North American Neuromodulation Society, and the World Institute of Pain Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2018.PMID 29278603
- [4]Neal JM, Barrington MJ, Fettiplace MR, et al. The Third American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Practice Advisory on Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: Executive Summary 2017 Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2018.PMID 29356773