THE USE OF ANKLE BLOCK FOR ACUTE ANKLE FRACTURE REDUCTION: A REVIEW OF CURRENT LITERATURE

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Anesthesiology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Ankle fractures are frequent emergency department (ED) visits requiring fracture reduction.
• Traditional pain management (sedation, general anesthesia) has systemic risks.
• Ankle blocks provide regional anesthesia, minimizing systemic side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review ankle block techniques, trends, benefits, and drawbacks for ankle fracture reduction in EDs.
• To highlight the role of ultrasound guidance in improving ankle block efficacy.
• To assess the ankle block as an opioid-sparing alternative.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on ankle block procedures for ankle fracture reduction.
• Analysis of techniques, including ultrasound-guided methods.
• Discussion of advantages, disadvantages, and emerging trends.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound guidance significantly enhances ankle block precision and success rates.
• Ankle blocks provide effective localized analgesia, reducing systemic complications.
• Challenges include training requirements and potential for incomplete pain relief.

Conclusions:

• Ankle blocks are an effective, opioid-sparing alternative for ankle fracture reduction in the ED.
• Ultrasound-guided techniques are improving outcomes and expanding the use of ankle blocks.
• Further research and training are needed to optimize and standardize ankle block procedures.