title: The use of a selective peripheral median nerve block for pain-free early active motion after hand surgery.
abstract: We describe a simple method in which a nearly selective sensory median nerve block is used for early motion exercises. In this method an 18-gauge epidural catheter with 3 side holes in the fine catheter tip is placed proximal to the carpal tunnel. A bolus of 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine is injected before a continuous infusion of 3 mL/60 min of 0.125% bupivacaine is started. This method allows a continuous and selective sensory blockade with preservation of motor function and proprioception for early motion after hand surgeries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive Hand Surgery, Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands. coralienbroekhuysen@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Coralien L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Broekhuysen
authors.forename: Maarten R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Fechner
authors.forename: Hans E M
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Kerkkamp
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002404:Catheterization; D004434:Early Ambulation; D006225:Hand / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002045:Bupivacaine