Peripheral regional anesthesia in infants and children: an update

Peripheral regional anesthesia in children has had a recent surge in popularity among pediatric anesthesia providers. The increased prevalence is at least in part explained by the proliferation of ultrasonography in the perioperative arena. Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block techniques have given pediatric anesthesiologists confidence to approach the diminutive structures that are in close approximation to sensitive areas. The three major categories of pediatric peripheral nerve blocks are upper extremity, truncal, and lower extremity. The indications, ultrasound anatomy, ultrasound-guided technique, and potential complications of the nerve blocks in each category are reviewed