Testing of Pre‐Operative Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Randomised Controlled Trials: A Scoping Review
Authors' conclusion
We found that although most trials do report testing PNBs, about one in four did not. Furthermore, approximately two in five trials did not define what constituted a successful block or report PNB success rates.
Study context
- Population
- RCTs published 2014–2025 in anaesthesia journals involving pre-operative peripheral nerve blocks in adults undergoing limb surgerytrials included
- Participants
- 284 participants
- Outcome
- Proportion of trials that reported block testing, described test methods, defined successful blocks, and reported success rates
Methodological detailsPubMed search, two independent screeners/extractors
- PubMed search
- Two independent screeners/extractors
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Trials reporting block testing: 215
76%
95% CI 71%–81%
Trials describing test methods: 210
74%
95% CI 69%–79%
Success criteria defined: 164/284 (95% CI 52%-63%); same number reported success rates
58%
Further findings
Assessment type among 215 trials reporting testing
- Sensory assessments: 204
- 95% (95% CI 91%-97%)
- Motor assessments: 157
- 73% (95% CI 67%-79%)
Peripheral nerve block success rate (164 trials reporting)
- Median success rate (IQR 92%-100%)
- 98%
Original publication
Testing of Pre‐Operative Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Randomised Controlled Trials: A Scoping Review. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. Published 26 February 2026. doi:10.
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