The failed peripheral nerve block

Question 1

Incidence of failed nerve block

Answer 1

1 in 10

Question 2

Patient-related causes for nerve block failure

Answer 2

• Anxiety
• Obesity
• Frailty and sarcopenia
• Positioning difficulties
• Insensitivity to LA (Ehlers-Danlos)
• Anatomical variability (pacemakers, shunts, tattoos)

Question 3

Anaesthesia-related causes for nerve block failure

Answer 3

• Operator inexperience
• Familiarity with equipment
• LA choice
• US optimisation

Question 4

Surgical-related causes for nerve block failure

Answer 4

• Deviation from the original surgical plan
• Duration of surgery
• Tourniquet pain