New technologies in nerve location

A computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study of the variations of the sciatic nerve branches of the pediatric knee: Implications for peripheral nerve blockade

In pediatric patients, peripheral anesthetic blockade of the sciatic nerve is useful for postoperative pain relief after orthopedic procedures of the lower limb. The identification of the sciatic and its branches relative to the surrounding anatomical structures of the knee significantly contribute to the successful nerve blockade. However, reports have demonstrated complications arising from the inadequate and inconsistent understanding of the anatomy of the nerves in the knee region. In addition, the paucity of information regarding the location of the nerves of the knee throughout the pediatric development needs to be addressed in order for peripheral nerve blockades to become more readily used among the pediatric population. This clinical imaging study therefore aimed to document and analyze the relative morphometric relationship of the nerves in the knee region throughout the different stages of pediatric development. The locations of the sciatic, tibial, and common fibular nerves were measured in relation to relevant anatomical structures in 142 pediatric magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. A strong correlation was found between age and the distance from the common fibular nerve to the semitendinosus muscle, and thus can be used to predict stature. Significant differences were found between males and females, specifically after puberty, suggesting that sexual dimorphism emerges more distinctively at puberty. In order to predict the location of the nerves at the popliteal fossa, a regression formula using the patient's age and bicondylar width was created. These finding may have significant implications for popliteal approach of the sciatic nerve blockade in pediatric patients. Clin. Anat. 32:836-850, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Regional anesthesia in children: the future

Pediatric regional anesthesia continues to evolve. Education and attention to anatomical detail remain key elements to successful outcomes. New techniques, some adapted from adult practice, provide analgesia for pediatric surgical procedures such cleft palate or congenital hip dysplasia. Despite technological advances a number of controversial issues remain unresolved.

The role of regional and neuroaxial anesthesia in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), previously known as progressive systemic sclerosis, is a form of scleroderma and a multisystem connective tissue disease which can impact on every aspect of anesthetic care, especially airway management. In this review we outline clinical manifestations and current medical treatment of the disease, and general principles of anesthetizing these patients. We focus on the role of regional anesthesia, including neuroaxial anesthesia, which may serve as a safe alternative to general anesthesia but can be technically challenging. We address concerns regarding abnormal responses to local anesthesia which have previously been reported in patients with SSc, and explore future developments in technology and pharmacology, which may enable regional anesthesia to be performed more successfully and with fewer complications.