Digital Block

Question 1

What are the general indications for performing a

digital block?

Answer 1

A digital block is performed to produce anesthesia for
procedures on the fingers or to augment a brachial plexus block.
Butterworth JF, Mackey DC, Wasnick JD. Morgan & Mikhail’s
Clinical Anesthesiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;
2013: 999-1000.

Question 2

How is a digital block performed?

Answer 2

The digit is anesthetized by injecting 2-3 mL of local anesthetic
both medially and laterally at the base of the finger near the
periosteum. No epinephrine should be used as it can result in
vasoconstriction that could impair circulation.
Butterworth JF, Mackey DC, Wasnick JD. Morgan & Mikhail’s
Clinical Anesthesiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;
2013: 999-1000.

Question 3

What is the primary risk in performing a digital block?

Answer 3

The primary risk is nerve injury.
Butterworth JF, Mackey DC, Wasnick JD. Morgan & Mikhail’s
Clinical Anesthesiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;
2013: 999-1000.

Question 4

How are the sensory nerves in the finger oriented

anatomically?

Answer 4

Each digit contains four nerves that run from the base of the
finger to the fingertip and are positioned at each of the four
corners of the base of the finger.
Butterworth JF, Mackey DC, Wasnick JD. Morgan & Mikhail’s
Clinical Anesthesiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;
2013: 999-1000.