PNB

Medical abbreviation · Anesthesia

PNB stands for Peripheral nerve block, an anesthesia abbreviation.

Injection of local anesthetic near a specific nerve or plexus, usually under ultrasound guidance, to numb a limb or body region for surgery or pain control. Examples include interscalene blocks for shoulder surgery, adductor canal blocks for knee surgery and popliteal sciatic blocks for foot and ankle surgery.

Example: Popliteal and saphenous PNB for ankle ORIF; general anesthesia avoided.

Usage notes

A catheter can be left beside the nerve to deliver a continuous infusion for several days at home. Patients are taught to protect the numb limb until sensation returns. Lasting nerve injury is rare, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity is the most serious acute risk.

Related abbreviations

More anesthesia abbreviations

• LMA – Laryngeal mask airway
• Mac – Macintosh
• MH – Malignant hyperthermia
• NMB – Neuromuscular blockade (blocker)
• NORA – Non-operating room anesthesia
• PDPH – Post-dural puncture headache
• PONV – Postoperative nausea and vomiting
• RCRI – Revised Cardiac Risk Index
• SAB – Subarachnoid block (spinal anesthesia)
• SGA – Supraglottic airway
• STOP-Bang – Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck size…
• Sux – Succinylcholine

See all 34 anesthesia abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.