Ultrasound‐Guided Posterior Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve Block: Technical Description and Block Distribution in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve branches from the radial nerve proximal to the elbow and supplies sensation to the posterior aspect of the forearm. With a high-frequency linear transducer, the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve was identified in 8 healthy volunteers. Under aseptic conditions and with an ultrasound-guided in-plane technique, 1% lidocaine was injected circumferentially around the nerve. In each participant, the block was successful, and neither incidental blocks of other nerves nor any other complications were observed. These results demonstrate that the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve can be blocked to provide anesthesia or analgesia to the posterior forearm.

Ultrasound Imaging for the Cutaneous Nerves of the Extremities and Relevant Entrapment Syndromes: From Anatomy to Clinical Implications

“…Moving the transducer more distally, the PACN is seen leaving the radial nerve to arrive at the subcutaneous level ( Figure 5 D, Supplementary Video S5 ). It later courses on top of the brachialis muscle and further separates into the anterior and posterior branches ( Figure 5 E,F) [ 19 ].…”

Ultrasound Imaging of Disorders of Small Nerves of the Extremities: Less Recognized Locations

“…The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve can also be injured during surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis . This branch of the radial nerve detaches at the lateral distal arm to run deep to the lateral belly of the triceps muscle and reach the subcutaneous tissues of the lateral epicondyle region . In a retrospective analysis of 9 patients, Dellon et al 28 described a neuroma of the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve located inside the scar tissue as a complication of surgery for lateral humeral epicondylitis.…”

“…In a retrospective analysis of 9 patients, Dellon et al 28 described a neuroma of the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve located inside the scar tissue as a complication of surgery for lateral humeral epicondylitis. More recently, US has been shown to be an effective modality for detecting and assessing the normal posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve as well as to guide a nerve block …”

“…28 This branch of the radial nerve detaches at the lateral distal arm to run deep to the lateral belly of the triceps muscle and reach the subcutaneous tissues of the lateral epicondyle region. 29,30 In a retrospective analysis of 9 patients, Dellon et al 28 lateral humeral epicondylitis. More recently, US has been shown to be an effective modality for detecting and assessing the normal posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve 30 as well as to guide a nerve block.…”

“…More recently, US has been shown to be an effective modality for detecting and assessing the normal posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve 30 as well as to guide a nerve block. 29 The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is at risk during surgery of the distal biceps tendon. 31,32 The nerve runs close to the radial neck and can be injured in as many as 3.2% of patients undergoing surgery.…”