Peripheral nerve blocks and anesthesia of the hand.

Regional anesthesia of the hand can be used in a vast array of hand injuries and minor operations. Local infiltration techniques require multiple injections and higher doses of anesthetic the that make them less preferable to peripheral nerve blocks. Regional anesthesia can be safe and effective as long as the provider has a firm understanding of the anatomy and technique. Multiple peripheral nerve blockade at the wrist can be a safe means of exploring complex wounds to the hand in both the emergency department and the operating room with minimal tissue distortion.