The Anatomical Foundations of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine

Excerpt

A strong foundation in anatomy is paramount for the safety and success of regional anesthesia. In his 1924 book, Regional Anesthesia: Its Technique and Clinical Application, Dr. Gaston Labat noted that, “A thorough knowledge of descriptive and topographic anatomy with regards to nerve distribution is a condition which anyone desirous of attempting to study regional anesthesia should fulfill,” aptly emphasizing the importance of anatomical understanding for those practicing regional anesthesia. The popularity of ultrasonographic guidance for regional anesthesia, which affords a better appreciation of the anatomy of interest, the needle−nerve interaction, and drug deposition, makes these anatomical foundations all the more important. There are currently only a few textbooks dedicated specifically to regional anesthesia anatomy, and the present The Anatomical Foundations of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine by Andre P. Boezaart is an excellent, welcome addition to this small collection. This textbook attempts to bridge the gap in the compendium of regional anesthesia literature by providing a comprehensive review of the micro-anatomy and macro-anatomy relevant to procedures in regional anesthesia and pain medicine. The editor and the authors of the book are recognized experts in the specialty and have helped advance the specialty of regional anesthesia. …