What Is a Peripheral Nerve Block?

• In simple terms: It’s an injection that numbs or calms irritated nerves outside the spine to relieve pain.
  
  

• Scientifically: PNB involves perineural injection of local anesthetic ± corticosteroid under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, interrupting nociceptive conduction in peripheral nerves.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Entrapment neuropathies (e.g., ulnar nerve, carpal tunnel, peroneal nerve entrapment)
  
  

• Peripheral nerve injuries with ongoing pain
  
  

• Radiculopathy symptoms extending into arms or legs
  
  

• Post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve pain
  
  

• Chronic pain syndromes
  
  

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  
  

The Peripheral Nerve Block Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Preparation: Outpatient procedure; local anesthesia with mild sedation.
   
   

2. Imaging guidance: Ultrasound or X-ray ensures precise targeting of the nerve.
   
   

3. Injection: Local anesthetic ± steroid injected around the nerve.
   
   

4. Observation: Patient monitored briefly; home same day.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Localization: Ultrasound identifies nerve, adjacent vessels, and fascial planes.
  
  

• Needle technique: 22–25G needle advanced percutaneously under imaging.
  
  

• Test injection: Small amount of anesthetic confirms placement.
  
  

• Therapeutic injection: Corticosteroid ± anesthetic injected in perineural sheath.
  
  

• Closure: Needle withdrawn; sterile dressing applied.