[Oberst's block anesthesia].

OBJECTIVE: Complete anesthesia of the phalanges of the fingers and toes.

INDICATIONS: All lesions distal to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Local infections at the injection site. Lesions proximal to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint.

TECHNIQUE: A subcutaneous deposit of a 0.5-2% local anesthetic is administered dorsoradially and dorsoulnarly at the base of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint. With the cannula advanced to palmar, an additional 0.5-1.5 ml is then administered to achieve complete anesthesia.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: The effect of the local anesthesia is self-limiting.

RESULTS: The Oberst block results in reliable anesthesia of the finger and toe. All surgical procedures distal to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint can be performed without pain.