Ulnar Nerve Block
Welcome to the Ulnar Nerve Block regional anesthesia page. Here we will cover indications, contraindications, materials and steps for you to master this procedure. Let’s begin with the overview below.
Overview
Involves local anesthesia of the ulnar nerve to safely and reliably provide pain relief as well as total loss of feeling if needed for surgery. Wrist/forearm blocks are simple to perform, essentially devoid of systemic complications and can be used in an emergency department setting, office, or operating room.
Indications
While most commonly used for finger and hand surgery, wrist blocks can also be used to perform minor procedures, fracture or dislocation reductions, or provide acute pain relief.
Contraindications
There are few true contraindications to this block. They include:
- Infection (cellulitis) at the site of injection
- Allergy to local anesthetic being used
- Patient refusal
Some relative contraindications to consider:
- Patient needs a neural exam of the affected extremity
- Anticoagulation use or bleeding disorder (pressure and tourniquet can be applied to the affected area if necessary)
- Patient with prior neural lesion or active injury