Neurological injury following peripheral nerve blocks: a narrative review of estimates of risks and the influence of ultrasound guidance
Authors' conclusion
Our review adds information to existing literature that the neurological complications are rarer but seem to display a higher incidence for some blocks more than others.
Study context
- Population
- Patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks (PNB)
- Exposure
- With vs without US guidance; individual PNBs
- Outcome
- Incidence of post-block neurological dysfunction (PBND): new-onset sensorimotor disturbances in the distribution of the performed PNB
- Follow-up
- >48 hours to <2 weeks; >2 weeks to 6 weeks, 7 weeks to 5 months, 6 months to 1 year and >1 year
Methodological detailsprospective and retrospective studies, six databases
- Prospective and retrospective studies
- Six databases
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Overall incidence of PBND
Incidence per thousand at <2 weeks (95% CI 8; to 11), ≈1%
9
Incidence per thousand at 1 year (95% CI 0.1; to 0.5), ≈3/10 000
0. 3
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Post-block neurological dysfunction (PBND) by individual PNB
- Incidence differed for individual PNB, highest for interscalene block
Original publication
Neurological injury following peripheral nerve blocks: a narrative review of estimates of risks and the influence of ultrasound guidance. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 8 November 2023. doi:10.
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