Peripheral Nerve Block - Ulnar Region
ULNAR NERVE ABOVE THE ELBOW (4-5 CM ABOVE)
Anatomical Correlation
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Arrowhead = ulnar nerve (U)
ME = medial epicondyle |
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The ulnar nerve at this level is superficial and not restricted by bony structures. Rescue ulnar nerve block is suitable at this level because there is plenty of room for local anesthetic expansion.
Box = scanned area
H = humerus |
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Pre-injection
Arrows = needle
Arrowhead = ulnar nerve |
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Post-injection
Arrows = needle
Arrowhead = ulnar nerve
LA = local anesthetic around the nerve |
Anatomical Correlation
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Note: The ulnar nerve (N) at this level is surrounded by bony structures, the olecranon (OF) laterally and the medial epicondyle (ME) medially. This is NOT a suitable location to perform a rescue ulnar nerve block. |
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Anatomical Correlation
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U = ulnar nerve
UA = ulnar artery |
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U = ulnar nerve
UA = ulnar artery
FCU = flexor carpi ulnaris |
Anatomical Correlation
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U = ulnar nerve
UA = ulnar artery |
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U = ulnar nerve
UA = ulnar artery
FCU = flexor carpi ulnaris tendon
FDP = flexor digitorum profundus tendon
FDS = flexor digitorum superficialis tendon |
Tracing the Ulnar Nerve in the Forearm
- Foxall GL, Skinner D, Hardman JG, Bedforth NM: Ultrasound anatomy of the radial nerve in the distal upper arm. Reg Anesth.Pain Med. 2007; 32: 217-20.
- Liebmann O, Price D, Mills C, Gardner R, Wang R, Wilson S, Gray A: Feasibility of forearm ultrasonography-guided nerve blocks of the radial, ulnar, and median nerves for hand procedures in the emergency department. Ann.Emerg.Med. 2006; 48: 558-62.
- Schafhalter-Zoppoth I, Gray AT: Ultrasound-guided ulnar nerve block in the presence of a superficial ulnar artery. Reg Anesth.Pain Med. 2004; 29: 297-8.
- Gray AT, Schafhalter-Zoppoth I: Ultrasound guidance for ulnar nerve block in the forearm. Reg Anesth.Pain Med. 2003; 28: 335-9.