Lexington
Pediatric Specialty Care
Orthopaedics
Pediatric Specialty Care
Orthopaedics
 |
Reducing Pain with New Technique
August 11, 2009
Medicine has come a long way from the days when it was believed most children have few memories of their early years and don’t experience as much pain as adults. Studies have proven infants and young children most likely experience more pain than adults do. In fact, painful experiences during childhood can alter perceptions and responses to pain as an adult.
To minimize the pain factor for patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Lexington, a new technique is being used. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks have provided excellent pain management results for patients undergoing upper- and lower- extremity procedures.
The blocks are performed by identifying the nerve with an ultrasound probe then using the probe to pinpoint the nerve and inject local anesthetic around it. The use of ultrasound permits direct visualization of the medication as it surrounds the nerve.
According to Kit Montgomery, M.D., director of anesthesia, “The outcomes for patient comfort and accuracy of medicine placement around the nerve are greatly improved using ultrasound-guided blocks.”
The procedure is performed after general anesthesia is delivered, so patients have no memory of the needle stick and injection around the nerve; they just know there’s very little pain when they wake up from surgery.
Two types of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are utilized. Single injection blocks usually provide pain control for at least eight hours and permit a comfortable transition to traditional postoperative pain management. Continuous infusion blocks involve a local anesthetic agent being administered through a catheter for one or two days post-operatively and are used for extensive extremity procedures.
Parents have been pleased with the results. As parent Carla Ruble said, “After Cole’s surgery, we were naturally worried about his pain. Dr. Montgomery explained the procedure to us before surgery and we were very glad he was taking such good care of Cole and was very attentive to his pain. “As a parent, I want to be informed of the best possible measures for my child. It’s always good to know our child is receiving the benefit of the talents of a world-class medical team.”
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