Brachial plexus blocks are used widely to provide intra-operative and post-operative analgesia. Their efficacy is well established, but little is known about discharging patients with a numb or weak arm. We need to quantify the risk of complications for improved informed consent. To assess whether patients can be safely discharged from hospital before the brachial plexus block has worn off and record any complications and concerns.Introduction
Objectives
The main objective of our study was to determine the treatment effect of corticosteroids in peri-radicular infiltration for radicular pain. We also examined whether there was any effect on the need for subsequent interventions such as additional root blocks and/or surgery. In a randomised, double blind controlled trial, 150 eligible patients with radicular pain and unilateral symptoms who failed conservative management were randomised for a single injection with bupivacaine and methylprednisolone (b+s) or bupivacaine (b) alone. The outcome measures used included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS), Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for leg pain and back pain and patient's subjective level of satisfaction of the outcome.Objectives
Subjects and Method
