The radius articulates proximally at the elbow with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna.

Humerus and Elbow Joint The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. It articulates with the radius and ulna bones of the forearm to form the elbow joint. Distally, the humerus becomes flattened.

The humerus articulates with the forearm bones to form the elbow joint, and the forearm bones articulate with each other to form the proximal radio-ulnar joint. The anular ligament, together with the radial notch of the ulna, provides a perfectly fitting socket for the head of the radius to rotate in.

In the Italian study, 83% of patients thought a spinal injection would be most painful, while 80% said an intramuscular (IM) would hurt least. But after they had actually experienced them, nearly 90% said either IM or intravenous (IV) injections were most unpleasant, with only 11% rating the spinal as most painful.

IV drug use can damage veins and cause scar tissue to form, which can be permanent. This can happen if you have a health problem that requires frequent use of IV drugs (for example, if you’re receiving chemotherapy for cancer and you don’t have a chemo port).

What are signs of an infiltration/extravasation?

• Redness around the site.
• Swelling, puffy or hard skin around the site.
• Blanching (lighter skin around the IV site)
• Pain or tenderness around the site.
• IV not working.
• Cool skin temperature around the IV site or of the scalp, hand, arm, leg or foot near the site.

Most victims who have suffered a serious case of IV infiltration need to seek financial compensation through a claim or lawsuit to hold those negligent accountable for their actions. Skilled attorneys can build a strong case, proving negligence when the patient suffers serious medical complications.

Infiltration occurs when I.V. fluid or medications leak into the surrounding tissue. Infiltration can be caused by improper placement or dislodgment of the catheter. Patient movement can cause the catheter to slip out or through the blood vessel lumen.

The most common site for an IV catheter is the forearm, the back of the hand or the antecubital fossa. The catheters are for peripheral use and should be placed where veins are easy to access and have good blood flow, although the easiest accessible site is not always the most suitable.

The preferred sites for IV cannulation

1. Hand. Dorsal arch veins.
2. Wrist. Volar aspect.
3. Cubital fossa. Median antecubital, cephalic and basilic veins.
4. Foot. Dorsal arch.
5. Scalp. Scalp veins should only be used once other alternatives are exhausted.

Choice of cannula For infusions of viscous fluids such as blood, and for rapid infusions, the largest cannulae (14–16 gauge) should be used. Smaller sizes (18–20 gauge) should suffice for crystalloids.

Intravenous (IV) cannulation is a technique in which a cannula is placed inside a vein to provide venous access. Venous access allows sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and blood products.

Intravenous (IV) cannulation A venous cannula is inserted into a vein, primarily for the administration of intravenous fluids, for obtaining blood samples and for administering medicines. Insertion of the venous cannula is a painful procedure that can lead to anxiety and stress.

median cubital vein

Arterial lines are connected to a bedside monitor to continuously display both the waveform and pressure from within the artery (Image 2). prevent blood from clotting in an arterial catheter, a slow continuous infusion of fluid is run into the catheter (at 2-3 ml per hour).

Arterial lines are generally not used to administer medication, since many injectable drugs may lead to serious tissue damage and even require amputation of the limb if administered into an artery rather than a vein.

Arterial lines are generally kept in place for a short period, until you feel better and your condition stabilizes. You will stay in a critical care area where you are closely monitored, usually an intensive care unit (ICU). Your provider may insert a new arterial line if you need it for more than five days.

Delivery of certain medications via arterial access has led to clinically important sequelae, including paresthesias, severe pain, motor dysfunction, compartment syn- drome, gangrene, and limb loss.