Indications to ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in the emergency: A narrative review

Abstract

Objectives: Give emergency physicians examples of successful applications of ultrasound guided nerve blocks in the literature. Literature Review: Among the articles included in this review, there are eleven (11) prospective studies (7 with convenience samples and 4 randomized studies), 1 cohort study, 1 systematic review, and 19 single or serial case reports. In a didactic way, the content of  ulttrasound guided nerve block studies was narratively described as several indications categorized according to the body portion affected by the intervention, specific population group affected, or specific conditions with high density of studies shown in the literature, to acknowledge: Injury of superior limbs; Shoulder dislocation; Fracture of costal arches; Abdominal wall injury; Injury of lower extremities; Hip and femoral neck fractures; Pediatric population; Other indications. Final Considerations: This review demonstrates that us guided nerve blocks are viable in the emergency department and highlights that significant and sustained decrease of pain can be achieved by this intervention.