This outpatient procedure numbs the hand with an injection of local anesthetic. Typically, it is used for surgery on the hand or fingers.
The patient is positioned with the arm outstretched to expose the wrist. The injection site is cleaned and sterilized. A needle is carefully guided through the wrist to the radial nerve, which travels through the arm and hand. Anesthetic is injected, bathing the nerve and temporarily blocking sensation in the hand and fingers. The numbing sensation will last for several hours after the injection. Painkillers may be needed to alleviate any pain from the procedure after the anesthesia wears off.