Elbow Block

Overview

The following five nerves are involved in an elbow block: radial, median, ulnar, medial antebrachial cutaneous, and lateral antebrachial cutaneous.

• 1.

  The radial and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves are typically blocked at the same time because of their proximity to one another.

• 2.

  The ulnar and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves are typically blocked at the same time because of their proximity to one another.

Indications for Use

A complete elbow block can be used when soft tissue procedures that cross dermatomal boundaries are performed.

Precautions

Intravascular and intranervous injections are of particular concern when injecting an anesthetic around the elbow.