[Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blockade].

Without miniaturization resulting in affordable hand-held ultrasound systems, ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia would not be practicable. Nowadays facilitation of nerve blockade by means of ultrasound is achievable even in remote locations. Non-traumatic technique, visualisation of nerves, surrounding structures and the ability to assess the spread of the injected local anaesthetic combined with a high and predictable success rate are the major advantages when ultrasound is used in regional anaesthetic practise. After a short recapitulation of physical principles related to ultrasound this article focuses on the specific features related to ultrasound-guided identification and blockade of peripheral nerves. Technical pitfalls and their implications for a successful nerve block are put into perspective. Ultrasound can be used to facilitate blockade of the upper and lower extremity. The advantages and limitations of the technique when applied to the classical approaches for blockade of the brachial plexus and the femoral and ischiadic nerve are discussed. Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia is a valuable tool to improve safety, success rate and patient comfort in daily anaesthetic practise.