Definition of a finger block
Finger block, also known as Oberst’s block anaesthesia, is a regional anaesthetic procedure to anaesthetize a finger or even a toe. This procedure is used for small operations or injuries that require suturing. Since each finger has four main nerves, these must be affected by the local anaesthetic. For this purpose, two punctures are necessary, in which a depot of the anesthetic is placed in two places each. The musculature is not affected by the anaesthetic, since it is located in the forearm for the fingers.
Indications for a finger block
Oberst’s conduction anaesthesia is used when an operation is to be performed on a finger or toe or when there is an isolated injury on a single finger and this is to be cleaned and closed. This procedure is particularly suitable for small injuries, since unlike the classic local anaesthesia, the cannula is not inserted into the already painful tissue. If an injury or an operation affects more than one finger, a different form of regional anesthesia is usually chosen and not each finger is anesthetized individually.
Which operations can be performed with a foot block?
A foot block is a very similar process to a finger block. The supplying nerves are anaesthetised above the ankle with several injections of a local anaesthetic. The procedure can be used to perform local operations on the foot and to treat injuries. For operations on the ankle joint or on the muscles and tendons, a different procedure should be chosen, as the muscles are partially unanaesthetized because they are supplied by a nerve above the anaesthetic ring.
What drugs are used for a finger block?
For regional anesthesiological procedures, various drugs can be used. The historically most famous narcotic is cocaine. Although cocaine is no longer used in medicine today, today’s local anaesthetics are based on this substance and act through similar mechanisms. Possible local anaesthetics are procaine, lidocaine, bubivacaine, ropivacaine and prilocaine. The various active ingredients differ in their effectiveness, onset of action, duration of action and controllability and can therefore be specifically selected for each application.
