Perioperative Peripheral Nerve Block Complications Associated with Foot and Ankle Surgeries

Description

This presentation by Malik Ali, an incoming resident at Dalhousie University, discusses perioperative complications associated with peripheral nerve blocks used in foot and ankle surgeries. Beginning with an overview of the advantages of regional anesthesia over general anesthesia, the study highlights the significance of understanding complications that can arise from nerve blocks. The research involved a systematic review of literature, including 378 articles filtered down to 38 relevant studies. Ali reports varying rates of complications such as sensory abnormalities (0.53 to 45%), motor deficits (0.05 to 16.22%), and systemic responses (0.05 to 6.67%). Notably, the presentation emphasizes that although many reported complications are generally not permanent, some cases, including persistent sensory deficits and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), can occur. The conclusion stresses the importance of fully informing patients about potential risks before consenting to nerve block procedures.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210309

Specialties