Abstract:

Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in children have made significant progress in recent years, with improved safety and efficacy attributed to high-resolution ultrasound visualization. The widespread clinical adoption of ultrasound technology empowers clinicians to visualize pediatric neural structures and adjacent tissues clearly and individually, which permits real-time observation of local anesthetic spread, thereby markedly lowering complication risks inherent to conventional blind puncture techniques. This expert consensus is based on evidence-based medicine and clinical practical experiences, integrating the development history and current status of ultrasound-guided pediatric nerve blocks. It systematically elaborates on the anatomical characteristics of pediatric nerves and their impact on blocking techniques, clarifies the indications and contraindications for pediatric nerve blocks, and standardizes equipment preparation, drug formulation, and pediatric sedation protocols prior to nerve block administration. It also comprehensively provides the procedural guidance and technical key points for nerve blocks in different regions, including probe selection, needle insertion pathways, and real-time monitoring of local anesthetic diffusion, and analyzes the potential complications along with corresponding prevention and management strategies. Through in-depth discussions among the expert group, recommendations were formed based on jointly established criteria. The final consensus aims to provide practical guidance for the implementation of ultrasound-guided pediatric nerve blocks in clinical anesthesia and pain management, thereby promoting more effective and safer application, ultimately achieving the goal of reducing children's pain and accelerating postoperative recovery.

Key words: nerve block, ultrasound, children, expert consensus