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Review
. 2023 Sep 15;31(18):957-967.
doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00223. Epub 2023 Jun 2.

Safe and Effective Aspirations and Nerve Blocks for the On-Call Orthopaedic Surgeon

Garrett K Berger  1 , Alexandra K Schwartz, William T Kent
Affiliations
Review

Safe and Effective Aspirations and Nerve Blocks for the On-Call Orthopaedic Surgeon

Garrett K Berger et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. .

Abstract

The on-call orthopaedic surgeon is faced with a wide array of orthopaedic pathology for which intra-articular aspiration, injection, and/or nerve/hematoma block may be used. Efficient use of these diagnostic and therapeutic modalities affords better patient care and a more effective on-call period. Often, these interventions are the rate limiting factor in a reduction or diagnosis. In this review, we describe joint aspirations, saline load tests, hematoma blocks, and nerve blocks in detail to include their indications, techniques, related pharmacology, pearls, and pitfalls.

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