Esmarch Reapplication Group for Hand Injuries and Disorders

Intravenous regional anesthesia is a commonly used technique in the outpatient setting for short hand and upper extremity cases, such as carpal tunnel release or trigger finger release. The technique requires a tourniquet, Esmarch bandage, an intravenous line, and lidocaine. It can be performed and learned easily. The technique is safe and easy to perform, and it provides adequate anesthesia for short cases; however, there are still some cases in which adequate anesthesia is not achieved. One of the possible reasons for failure is that the local anesthetic (lidocaine) does not properly exit the veins to reach the interstitial space (where many nerves are located) to provide the nerve block. In this study, the investigators hypothesize that after application of lidocaine to the intravenous system, application of external pressure through the skin will facilitate tissue penetration and improve the block. The only research procedure being done is a re-application of the Esmarch bandage; all other procedures are Standard of Care.