Thyroidectomy under local analgesia: the anatomical basis of cervical blocks

This paper describes the anatomical compartments of the neck and their innervation, followed by details of superficial, deep and modified cervical blocks which can be performed during thyroidectomy. Advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed. Superficial and deep cervical blocks leave some structures unaffected. A modified cervical block is described which can be used to overcome these difficulties.