While spinal anesthesia necessitates morphine or other narcotic drugs for post-operative pain, frequently leaving patients too sick or weak to begin rehabilitation, femoral nerve blocks allow enough sensation to begin rehabilitation of the joint.
Susan Steele, MD, an anesthesiologist at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, N.C., said nerve blocks minimize requirements for narcotics and allow patients to get back to work sooner. The nerve block can be performed using ultrasound to locate the femoral nerve, then inserting a catheter to deliver the pain medication, a relatively recent development that increase the procedure’s feasibility.
Read the WRAL report on femoral nerve blocks.
–8 Statistics on 2010 Anesthesiologist Compensation
–5 Thoughts From Industry Experts on the Future of Anesthesia
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
