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Upper Limb Blocks: Advances in Anesthesiology Research

  • Regional Anesthesia (P Kukreja, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Anesthesiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To summarize the recent literature regarding regional anesthesia of the upper extremity.

Recent Findings

Brachial plexus anatomy is more variable than previously believed. Several novel techniques for upper extremity blockade have been recently described. The ability of local anesthetic adjuvants and liposomal bupivacaine to prolong block duration has been investigated with mixed results. Regional anesthesia has played an important role in the expansion of ambulatory upper extremity surgery, especially shoulder arthroscopy and arthroplasty. Knowledge about the management of local anesthetic systemic toxicity remains essential for the safe performance of upper extremity blocks.

Summary

The widespread adoption of ultrasound guidance for nerve blocks and the increasing emphasis on value in healthcare have fostered numerous innovations in regional anesthesia of the upper extremity in recent years. Further research is needed to determine the best technique for diaphragm-sparing shoulder analgesia and the most appropriate role for liposomal bupivacaine.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1301 Medical Center Drive, 4648 TVC, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA

    Lane Crawford, Jason Zatkoff & Rajnish K. Gupta

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  1. Lane Crawford
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  2. Jason Zatkoff
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Correspondence to Lane Crawford.

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Lane Crawford declares that she has no conflict of interest. Jason Zatkoff declares that he has no conflict of interest. Rajnish K. Gupta has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Crawford, L., Zatkoff, J. & Gupta, R.K. Upper Limb Blocks: Advances in Anesthesiology Research. Curr Anesthesiol Rep 9, 281–290 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-019-00339-8

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