Digital Nerve Block: One Injection Is as Good as Two

The traditional method of digital nerve block involves two subcutaneous injections with the dorsal approach to block the four digital nerves at the base of the finger. An alternative approach involves a single subcutaneous injection of 2 to 3 mL of local anesthetic on the palmar surface at the base of the digit just distal to the proximal skin crease, followed by massage of the anesthetic into the area. Researchers conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial to compare these two methods in 76 patients older than 16 years who presented to three emergency departments in the U.K. with fingertip injuries or infections that required local anesthesia.

The proportion of patients who were adequately anesthetized did not differ significantly…