[Muscle relaxation and neuromuscular monitoring : Current findings and recommendations for the clinical practice]

Muscle relaxation is one of the most specific domains of anaesthesiology. Both the interaction between the physiology of the motor end plate and the pharmacology of the substances used as well as the impressive effects immediately following injection explain the fascination of this core competence of anaesthesiological work. A profound pharmacological understanding particularly of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the drugs used and the expertise with respect to the monitoring procedures employed are essential prerequisites for the safe use of muscle relaxants and their antagonists. The aim of this continuing education article is therefore to summarise the basic knowledge of muscle relaxation and neuromuscular monitoring from a clinical perspective. Based on research findings published in recent years and guideline recommendations from various professional associations, a possible approach to clinical practice is outlined.