Local Anesthesia

• What Is Local Anesthesia?
• When Is Local Anesthesia Used Over Other Types of Anesthesia?
• How To Prepare for Local Anesthesia
• How Is Local Anesthesia Administered?
• Are There Risks Associated With Local Anesthesia?
• Recovering From Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is often preferred over other types of anesthesia in orthopedics when the surgical procedure is limited to a specific area or joint. It is commonly used for minor procedures such as joint injections, arthroscopic surgeries, or fracture reductions. By directly numbing the targeted area, local anesthetic injections allow surgeons to perform the procedure without the need for general anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with systemic medications and recovery time.

Additionally, local anesthesia preserves the patient's consciousness and cooperation, which can be beneficial for certain orthopedic procedures that require active patient participation, such as joint mobilizations or tendon repairs. It can also minimize postoperative complications, provide prolonged pain relief after the procedure, and allow for earlier mobilization and faster recovery than general anesthesia.

However, the choice of anesthesia ultimately depends on factors such as the nature of the procedure, the patient's medical condition, and the surgeon's preference, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the most suitable anesthesia approach for each individual case.

Preparing for local anesthesia is important to ensure a smooth and safe procedure. Before the scheduled procedure, it is crucial to communicate openly with your doctor about your medical history, including any prescription medications, allergies, or previous adverse reactions to anesthesia. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or have any underlying medical conditions.

Additionally, there are a few pre-procedure preparations to keep in mind. You may be advised to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure to prevent complications. It is also generally recommended to abstain from smoking and avoid consuming blood-thinning medications like aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. Lastly, it is essential to plan for transportation after the procedure, as the effects of the anesthesia may temporarily impair your ability to operate heavy machinery. Arrange for someone to accompany and assist you at home while you recover, ensuring a safe and comfortable healing process.

Local anesthesia can be administered through different methods, depending on the specific needs of the procedure. Your physician may begin with local application, where an anesthetic ointment is directly applied to the affected area. Then the doctor injects a local anesthetic drug under the skin or deeper into the tissue. This method ensures that you won't feel the needle pricks while your doctor performs the procedure.

Lastly, nerve blocks involve local anesthetic injections administered near specific nerves to block pain signals from a particular area of the body. Nerve blocks are commonly used to provide pain relief for procedures such as dental treatments or surgeries involving the eyes. These different approaches to administering local anesthesia allow for targeted pain relief, making procedures more comfortable and manageable for patients.

Like with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with local anesthesia, although they are generally considered to be minimal. It's important to note that risks can be associated with all types of procedures, including surgical, non-surgical, and minimally invasive ones. However, the specific risks associated with local anesthesia may include:

• Allergic reactions to the local anesthetic injection
• Temporary numbness or weakness in the area where the anesthetic is administered
• Infection at the injection site
• Hematoma or blood clot formation at the injection site
• Nerve damage or injury, although this is rare
• Systemic toxicity if too much of the anesthetic medication is absorbed into the bloodstream
• Adverse interactions with other medications or medical conditions

It's crucial to discuss any concerns or pre-existing conditions with your healthcare provider before the procedure to mitigate these risks. While complications are rare, your doctor will take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and monitor you closely throughout the procedure.

After local anesthesia, the effects typically subside within an hour, but it is not uncommon to experience lingering numbness for a few hours. As the anesthesia wears off, you might notice a tingling sensation or occasional twitches in the affected area. It is important to be mindful of the numbed area during this time, as it can be easy to unintentionally injure it due to the reduced sensation.

Take extra care when handling objects or moving around, as you may not have full control or awareness of the affected body part until the numbness fully dissipates. Being cautious and allowing yourself time to fully recover can help prevent accidental injuries or discomfort during the post-anesthesia period.

If you want to learn more about our local anesthesia options, our Resurgens physicians are here to help. Schedule an appointment today at one of our 24 Metro Atlanta locations.