Ulnar nerve blocks are an approach for delivering anesthesia to the ulnar nerve territory either as a standalone blockade or combined with brachial plexus, radial or median nerve block.
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Indications
- burns involving tissue in the ulnar nerve territory
- rescue analgesia for failed brachial plexus block
- surgical repair of little finger or fifth metacarpal fractures
- reductions of the fifth metacarpal or metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations
- incision and drainage of cysts and abscesses.
- postoperative analgesia
Contraindications
- cellulitis or abscess in the site of injection
- known allergy to local anesthetics
- compartment syndrome
Equipment
- high-frequency linear ultrasound probe
- disinfectant agent
- sterile ultrasound gel
- sterile probe cover
- local anesthetic
- skin or block needle
Complications
Complications of the ulnar nerve block may include:
- active infection of the puncture site
- intravascular injection
- allergic reaction to anesthetic products
- direct nerve damage with neuropraxia or neurolysis
- intramuscular hematoma
- unsuccessful block
- local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)
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