Hematoma Block

A hematoma block may be performed anywhere an acute fracture is present.

Typically, hematoma blocks are performed in regions where it is impractical to perform selective nerve blocks or regional blocks.

Hematoma blocks function on the principle that a fracture hematoma surrounds a fracture site.

• a.

  The fracture hematoma acts as a fluid medium; thus, injection of an anesthetic into the hematoma results in diffusion of the anesthetic around the fracture site.

• b.

  Diffusion of the anesthetic around the fracture site results in effective regional anesthesia.

Hematoma blocks are most commonly used for closed reduction of a distal radius fracture.

Any diaphyseal or metaphyseal fracture is amenable to a hematoma block.