Nerve Blocks for Surgery on the Arm and Hand

What is a nerve block?

It is an injection of local anesthetic or freezing medicine through a needle around the nerve supply to your arm and hand. We can visualize the exact nerves of interest using ultrasound. When the nerves are fully blocked you will not be able to feel and/or move the limb.

What are my options?

General Anesthesia

You can be fully asleep for your surgery. Pain relief will be provided by medications such as morphine.

Nerve Block

Nerve Blocks for Surgery on the Arm and HandThe arm is frozen with a nerve block so you won't feel the surgeons working. You can be completely awake for the procedure, but most people prefer to have some light sedation.

General Anesthesia + Nerve Block

A nerve block can be combined with general anesthesia. This can provide prolonged pain relief after surgery and help facilitate physiotherapy post-operatively.

What are the benefits of nerve blocks?

• Better pain control after surgery
• Less nausea and vomiting
• Possible earlier time to discharge home
• You get to eat and drink right away
• Less groggy after surgery

What to expect

Before Your Surgery

You will speak with your anesthetist and together you can decide which option is right for you. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. For safety, supplemental oxygen will be provided through your nose. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored.

The Nerve Block Procedure

We will use the ultrasound to find the nerves we need to block. You will feel a little sting as some local anesthetic is injected under the skin to ensure minimal discomfort. You may notice your arm move involuntarily. We are stimulating the nerves with a special device to improve safety. When we are happy with the position of the needle we will then inject local anesthetic. Before you go to the operating room we will confirm that the nerve block is working as planned

What Happens Next?

The arm won't go numb immediately. It can take as little as 5 minutes or as long as 25 minutes. Your arm will start to feel heavy, warm and tingly before it goes completely numb.

Blocks usually last from 6-12 hours, but sometimes as long as 24 - 48 hours.

What are the risks?

There are risks associated with general and regional anesthesia. These can be serious but fortunately are rare.

Common Complications

• Temporary stuffy nose and drooping eyelid.
• You may feel as though it takes a little more effort to breath deeply.
• Hoarseness of voice.

• Block failure (1:25)
• Nerve injury where block lasts for weeks or months (1:3000)
• Local anesthetic in the blood causing seizures or heart problems (1:1000)
• Punctured lung (rare)
• Infection (1:1000)
• Death (1:1000000)

• Ultrasound guidance
• Sterile technique
• Monitoring during and after the block
• Extra freezing or conversion to general anesthesia for block failure

Contact us if you have any concerns

(780) 407-8822 - Ask for Adult Acute Pain Services