Patient perception of the ischemic arm block.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate patient perception of the ischemic arm block.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Fracture clinic of a major city hospital.

PATIENTS/

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred eighty-one consecutive patients who had an ischemic arm block were mailed a questionnaire. The response rate was 71 percent.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-two percent of respondents reported significant pain from the tourniquet cuff, and 29 percent reported significant pain during manipulation or within the first hour after releasing the cuff. Statistical analysis showed that cuff pain was independent and not indicative of increased individual sensitivity to pain. Manipulation pain was likewise an independent phenomenon. There was a close relationship between manipulation pain and postprocedure pain. Reported complications were rare. Fourteen percent were dissatisfied with the procedure, which correlated with manipulation pain but not with cuff pain. In conclusion, significant cuff pain during the procedure is common. Manipulation pain is not as common but may lead to dissatisfaction.