Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEffect of Adductor Canal Block Versus Femoral Nerve Block on Quadriceps Strength, Mobilization, and Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Blinded Study.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often associated with severe pain. Different regional anesthetic techniques exist, all with varying degrees of motor blockade. We hypothesized that pain relief provided by the adductor canal block (ACB) could increase functional muscle strength. ⋯ Adductor canal block provides a clinically relevant and statistically significant increase in quadriceps muscle strength for patients in severe pain after TKA.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA Randomized Comparison Between Infraclavicular Block and Targeted Intracluster Injection Supraclavicular Block.
This prospective, randomized trial compared ultrasound-guided targeted intracluster injection (TII) supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCB) and infraclavicular brachial plexus block (ICB). ⋯ Ultrasound-guided TII SCB and ICB provide comparable success rates. Due to its quick onset, TII SCB results in a shorter total anesthesia-related time.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialPectoral Nerves I and II Blocks in Multimodal Analgesia for Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
The pectoral nerves (Pecs) block types I and II are novel techniques to block the pectoral, intercostobrachial, third to sixth intercostals, and the long thoracic nerves. They may provide good analgesia during and after breast surgery. Our study aimed to compare prospectively the quality of analgesia after modified radical mastectomy surgery using general anesthesia and Pecs blocks versus general anesthesia alone. ⋯ The combined Pecs I and II block is a simple, easy-to-learn technique that produces good analgesia for radical breast surgery.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Multicenter StudyDiabetes: A Risk Factor for Catheter-Associated Infections.
The incidence of infectious complications associated with continuous regional anesthesia techniques is a matter of concern. Our objective was to determine whether patients suffering from diabetes are at an increased risk of catheter-related infectious complications. ⋯ The presence of diabetes is associated with an increased risk for catheter-related infections in lower limb and lumbar epidural. Specific care should be taken to avoid and detect infections in this population.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Infection Related to Ultrasound-Guided Single-Injection Peripheral Nerve Blockade: A Decade of Experience at Toronto Western Hospital.
The use of ultrasound guidance has revolutionized regional anesthesia practice. Ultrasound equipment disinfection techniques vary between institutions. ⋯ No indications of block-related infection were found. We conclude that using a practical and efficient low-level disinfection technique and sterile barrier dressing results in an extremely low rate of block-related infection following ultrasound-guided single-injection peripheral nerve blockade.