Median Nerve Block
Medical professionals perform wrist blocks when they need to administer anesthesia to perform certain treatments on the hand and fingers. One of the effective techniques that can be done is the median nerve block.
What is a median nerve block?
A median nerve block is a procedure to administer anesthesia on the hand and fingers without immobilizing the arm. It can either be done alone or with blockade of radial and ulnar nerves.
How is a median nerve block performed?
The patient is placed on an elevated bed with their arm resting on a support. A roll is also placed under the wrist so that it can extend a bit more.
The doctor would then identify the median nerve first and administer a certain dosage of local anesthesia, which is typically 3 to 5 mL. A 25 to 27 gauge needle is injected between the two tendons located in the wrist (called the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons).
What to expect after the procedure
To take its full effect, the doctor would allow the anesthesia to settle for at least 10 minutes after the injection. Only after this would the necessary procedures would be performed on the hand.
Is median nerve block right for you?
Hand and wrist problems can be debilitating and may require surgery. If it leads to this, it’s crucial to find a doctor who knows how to perform this procedure.
This method is ideal when handling complex wounds. Patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may also benefit from this type of wrist block. To know more about the median nerve block in Torrance, book a consultation with our expert pain management doctor at Torrance Pain Institute.