Ultrasound guided single shot nerve block site infection: A case report

Infections following ultrasound-guided single-shot peripheral nerve blocks are rare but potentially serious. While there are case reports of infections related to nerve block catheters, there are few case reports of infections associated with single shot nerve blocks. There remains a lack of robust data on the incidence of infections associated with single shot nerve blocks. A healthy man in his 30s underwent arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at an outpatient center. A preoperative ultrasound-guided adductor canal block was performed using a sterile probe cover, chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation and sterile gloves. Seven days later, the patient developed erythema and purulent drainage at the block site. Initial oral antibiotics were ineffective, and he was admitted for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Wound cultures grew Group A Streptococcus Pyogenes . The patient was discharged with oral antibiotics and fully recovered. This case illustrates a rare infectious complication following a single-shot ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block. Although the source of infection remains unclear, the anatomical correlation with the block site raises concern. The case underscores the challenges in identifying such complications, which may present after routine anesthesia follow-up.