Intravenous regional anesthesia: a safe and cost-effective outpatient anesthetic for upper extremity fracture treatment in children.

Abstract

We reviewed our most recent 100 consecutive cases with respect to efficacy and safety of anesthesia in which Bier block anesthesia was used to reduce upper extremity fractures. Records were reviewed to document diagnosis, number of reduction attempts, efficacy of anesthesia, and incidence of complications and untoward effects. No adverse effects were noted from lidocaine injection or tourniquet release. The cost of Bier block anesthesia administered in the emergency room (ER) was significantly less than that of a general anesthetic in the operating room. We have found the Bier block to be a safe, reliable, and cost-effective anesthetic in treatment of children's upper extremity fractures in the ER.