Single sterile silicon ring technique for utilization of upper limb intravenous regional anesthesia: A prospective study of patients with operated distal radius fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous regional anesthesia is a well-established method of anesthesia in upper extremity surgery. In this study, we present a modification of the technique using a silicon ring tourniquet in 30 patients undergoing internal fixation for distal radius fractures.

METHODS

A sterile silicone ring wrapped within a stockinette sleeve was applied, and a local anesthetic solution (3 mg/kg lidocaine 0,5%) was injected intravenously. After anesthesia onset, the ring was rolled distally to provide immediate pain and discomfort relief.

RESULTS

The silicone ring achieved adequate exsanguination in all patients. Mean pain VAS score was 2.7 ± 0.9 intraoperatively and 4.3 ± 1.3 during the first hour postoperatively. The onset and termination times of sensory block were 5.8 ± 2.1 and 102 ± 7.8 min, and of motor block 13.8 ± 2.8 and 54.2 ± 4.6 min, accordingly. All patients were satisfied from the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Sterile silicone ring tourniquet application is a simple, safe and effective analgesic and anesthetic technique for the operative treatment of distal radius fractures.