A modification of the inter-cuff technique of IVRA for use in knee arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To describe a modified approach to intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) for operations on the knee joint.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 52-yr-old male presenting for knee arthroscopy was anesthetized by IVRA using only 40 mL of lidocaine 0.5%. After performing IVRA in the routine way an additional below knee tourniquet was used and inflated after local anesthetic exsanguination towards the knee. Operation was performed without the need for further analgesic.

CONCLUSION

The technique allowed the use of a small anesthetic volume for IVRA on the lower limb, thus decreasing the potential risk of local anesthetic toxicity.