ULNAR NERVE BLOCK TECHNIQUES

Course overview

AN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED ULNAR NERVE BLOCK CAN BE USED TO PROVIDE SURGICAL ANESTHESIA OR ANALGESIA TO THE ULNAR PORTION OF THE HAND INCLUDING THE LITTLE FINGER AND THE ULNAR HALF OF THE RING FINGER. IT IS PRIMARILY USED FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES THAT INVOLVE THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ULNAR NERVE EITHER AS A STANDALONE BLOCK, OR COMBINED WITH A RADIAL NERVE BLOCK FOR A COMPLETE HAND BLOCK, OR AS A RESCUE METHOD FOR INADEQUATE BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCKS. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE INDICATIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS AND COMPLICATIONS OF ULNAR NERVE BLOCKS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN THE CARE OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING THIS PROCEDURE.