Axillary Block-Induced Chemical Sympathectomy in the Setting of Digital Ischemia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Digital ischemia is associated with several rheumatologic disorders and is often difficult to treat. Symptoms and sequelae can include pain, disability, need for amputation, and poor quality of life.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with digital ischemia were referred for an ultrasound-guided axillary nerve block using liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel, Pacira Pharmaceuticals). The primary outcome measure was radial and ulnar artery diameter preprocedure and postprocedure. Doppler waveform analyses were performed to measure arterial diameter and blood flow velocity. The QuickDASH questionnaire was administered to evaluate upper extremity function and perceived disability.

Results

Mean radial and ulnar artery diameters increased from 0.19 cm and 0.16 cm to 0.23 cm an

SUBMITTER: Soberon JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5158149 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature