Acute pain management in trauma: anatomy, ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks and special considerations

Abstract

Pain is the most common complaint amongst trauma patients throughout the perioperative period. Multimodal analgesia is currently being regarded the mainstay, with regional anesthesia techniques constituting an integral part of it. Ultrasound imaging techniques display a plethora of advantages that have pervaded regional anesthesia practice. In this review, we set out to provide several examples of injuries, to elucidate the precise anatomy of fractured bones (osteotomes), and to elaborate on certain peripheral nerve blocks employed in pain management of trauma patients. Controversies/special considerations pertaining to peripheral nerve blocks also dictate thorough analysis: as such, acute compartment syndrome, acute peripheral nerve injuries, regional anesthesia in awake or anesthetized patients, continuous peripheral nerve blocks, positioning limitations and, finally, ultrasound imaging versus neurostimulation techniques are extensively reviewed.