There was insufficient robust evidence from randomised trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different methods of anaesthesia, different associated physical techniques or the use of drug adjuncts in the treatment of distal radial fractures. There is, however, some indication that haematoma block provides poorer analgesia than IVRA, and can compromise reduction.
Given the many unresolved questions over the management of these fractures, we suggest an integrated programme of research, which includes consideration of anaesthesia options, is the way forward.
The use of muscle relaxant to supplement local anaesthetics for Bier's blocks.
In searching for the 'ideal' muscle relaxant for use with intravenous regional anaesthesia, muscle relaxation was assessed with and without the addition of Atracurium to Bier's Block in four volunteers. This was followed by a clinical study of 36 patients with wrist fractures to confirm the drug's safety and examine the possible clinical advantages of using a muscle relaxant. The addition of 2 mg of Atracurium to the Bier's Block improved the ease of reduction (P less than 0.025) and the quality of analgesia (P less than 0.05) (Mann-Whitney U test). The authors conclude that the addition of Atracurium to a Bier's Block is useful in selected patients with a wrist fracture.