Effect of a Combination of Dexamethasone and Lidocaine on the Duration of Digital Nerve Block of Orthopedic Surgery

Lidocaine is the most effective anesthetic and a valuable drug for nerve pain control and management. Dexamethasone is commonly used to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. Dexamethasone, together with a local anesthetic, enhances the peripheral nerve block. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the duration of anesthesia and analgesia effects after surgery in 2 anesthesia methods.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 50 patients aged 18 to 70 years who were candidates for orthopedic surgery and visited the 5th Azar Medical Training Center, Gorgan, Iran during 2021. The sample was selected via convenience sampling and by checking the inclusion criteria. In group 1, 10 ml of Lidocaine 1%, and in group 2, 8 ml of 1% Lidocaine and 2 ml of dexamethasone were used as infiltration in the operation site. The average onset of analgesia and the duration of analgesia as well as postoperative pain between both anesthesia methods were determined and compared with the visual analog scale.

The average duration of anesthetic effect was significantly higher in group 2 (P<0.05). In addition, the average pain duration of the patients of group 2 had a downward trend from the time of entry to when they exited the recovery room (P<0.05).

The combination of dexamethasone and Lidocaine increased the duration of finger nerve block effect and analgesia after surgery.