Study of A Long Lasting Local Anesthestic for Hand, Wrist or Finger Surgery

Exparel (Bupivacaine Liposome Injectable Suspension) for Distal Upper Extremity Blocks in Orthopedic Surgery

The purpose of this study is to compare Exparel, a new, long-lasting numbing medication and a shorter-acting nerve block to a traditional single-shot nerve block in patients having hand, wrist or finger surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients 18 years or older having hand, wrist, or finger surgery
• ability to understand and provide informed consent
• American Society of Anesthesiologists status I-III
• presence of a responsible adult caregiver for 48-72 hours after surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• patient refusal or inability to provide informed consent
• true allergy, not sensitivity to local anesthetics, midazolam, fentanyl, hydromorphone, propofol
• pregnancy
• hepatic or renal failure
• evidence of infection at or near the proposed needle insertion site
• any sensorimotor deficit of the upper extremity
• BMI greater than or equal to 35
• uncontrolled or severe pulmonary disease
• anticoagulant use (not aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)
• chronic pain patients