Hematoma block: An effective anesthesia for distal radius fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Hematoma block is a widely used method for pain relief while manipulation of distal radius fractures worldwide. In this method, 10-15 ml of 2% lignocaine, a local anesthetic is used to alleviate pain during fracture reduction.Materials and Methods: We enrolled thirty five patients in our study from January 2018 to December 2018. All patients had extra-articular fractures of distal radius, which needed either plaster casting or percutaneous pinning. All the patients were subjected to Hematoma Block with 12 to 18ml 2% lignocaine in the fracture site hematoma. The patients’ pain distribution and intensity was checked by Visual Analogue Scale system during the pre-reduction, reduction manipulation and post- reduction periods.Results: The average Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score before hematoma block was 7.1. The average VAS score reduced to 1.6 (ranging from 0.5 to 3.5) during reduction and less than 1 (0.9) one hour after the procedure. The scoring system of VAS is described on a scale of 0-10cm.Conclusion: We conclude that Hematoma Block is a safe and effective means of anesthesia for distal radius fractures where reduction or manipulation for casting or pinning is required.