The word anaesthesia is derived from the Greek words an – "not, without" and aesthetos – "perceptible, able to feel" (Askitopoulou et al., 2000). Local anaesthesia (LA) is a technique used to render a part of the body insensitive to pain without affecting consciousness (Jankovic, 2004). Local anaesthetics are used to prevent acute pain and treat the symptoms of chronic pain (Yanagidate and Strichartz, 2007). They may be administered by injection, continuous infusion or topical application.

This resource will cover relevant aspects of physiology and pharmacology pertaining to local anaesthetics. You'll be able to access this resource for 12 months after purchase.

Aims and Objectives

The objectives of this resource are to review:

• How local anaesthetics work
• How to work out the maximum safe dosages
• The anatomy of lower limb blocks. 

References

• Askitopoulou H, Ramoutsaki IA, Konsolaki E. Analgesia and anesthesia: etymology and literary history of related Greek words. Anesth Analg 2000; 91: 486-491.
• Jankovic D. Regional nerve blocks and infiltration therapy. A textbook and colour atlas. 3rd Ed. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Berlin. 2004; 10-14.
• Yanagidate F, Strichartz GR. Local anesthetics. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2007; 177: 95-127.

Some of the statements in the literature are open to debate. I hope that this activity will stimulate your own review of the articles and books written on the subject of LA.

Certificate and CPD Points

This 10 question module has been written by expert authors from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists faculty of Podiatric Medicine and General Practice. The module is designed to test and improve your knowledge of local Analgesia.

Upon successful completion of this module a printable certificate of competence will be made available to you. This module gives you 2 hours of CPD points for your annual CPD assessment.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr. Ian Reilly FCPodS DMS
Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, Northamptonshire NHS Trust

Reviewer: Dr Stuart Enoch, MBBS, MRCS (Edin), MRCS (Eng), PhD
Speciality Registrar in Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Manchester, United Kingdom