Overview
This procedure is an injection of anesthesia (or an anesthetic/steroid mixture) around the brachial plexus, a network of nerve fibers that travels from the spine to the arm. This procedure can be used to block the pain of surgery on the shoulder, arm or hand, or it can be used to manage the pain of chronic issues such as arthritis.
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, the patient is positioned and the physician uses an ultrasound probe to determine the precise entry point for the needle. The tissue at the entry point is numbed with an injection of local anesthesia.
Injection
The physician injects the anesthetic (or anesthetic/steroid mixture) through the needle. The medication bathes the brachial plexus nerve fibers, temporarily blocking sensation or relieving chronic pain and inflammation.
End of Procedure
When the injection is complete, the needle is carefully removed and a small bandage is placed over the injection site. The duration of the injection varies depending on the type of medication administered and the goal of the procedure.
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