Upper and lower extremity surgery is particularly suited to regional anaesthesia. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) can produce surgical anaesthesia in less than 30 minutes. PNBs have been associated with early outcome improvements when surgery is conducted awake or with light sedation. These benefits include reduced nausea and vomiting, improved patient satisfaction and accelerated recovery room and hospital discharge. PNBs can also provide effective postoperative pain relief.