Ultrasound Technique for Common Head and Neck Blocks

Head and neck blocks are clinically important procedures that regional anesthesiologists and pain physicians should be comfortable performing. The advent of ultrasound has optimized these blocks by providing the users with the ability to identify structures and anatomic relationships that are not apparent with landmark and stimulator-based block techniques. Ultrasound also provides the added benefit of fine needle adjustments that cannot be seen with fluoroscopic guidance. We describe the relevant anatomy, sonographic findings, and procedural techniques for some common head and neck blocks.