Abstract

AGUIRRE-OSPINA, Oscar David; GONZALEZ-MALDONADO, Julián Felipe  and  RIOS-MEDINA, Ángela María. Ergonomics in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks. Rev. colomb. anestesiol. [online]. 2015, vol.43, n.4, pp.331-339. ISSN 0120-3347.

Introduction: Performing ultrasound-guided nerve blocks has proven to be safe, but ergonomic considerations are essential. Methods: A non-systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline/Pubmed and Embase databases. Objective: To describe the influence of operator position, monitor location, and hand position in performing ultrasound-guided nerve blocks. Results: Poor ergonomics is a key factor of error when performing nerve blocks under ultrasound guidance. "In-plane" needle insertion increases success. An inappropriate position may be a cause of muscle-skeletal disorders. Based on these results, we propose specific element location and operator position for the performance of certain nerve blocks. Conclusion:Performing ultrasound-guided nerve blocks requires an ergonomic work area allowing for greater comfort and effectiveness, thus reducing the occurrence of muscle-skeletal disorders.

Keywords : Ultrasonography; Nerve block; Human engineering; Analgesia; Anesthesia.

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