A practical approach to nerve injuries post regional anaesthesia

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, the interest in regional anaesthesia and its advantages has grown, with the use of ultrasound-guided techniques and catheter insertion becoming ever more popular.¹ This increased interest in regional anaesthesia has led to an increased number of peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) performed and therefore an increased number of complications¹; improved reporting methods and registries may have also played a role.² Although the incidence of neurological damage after regional anaesthesia is rare, the effects may be devastating with resultant permanent disability.^2-5