Repeat, Bilateral Femoral Nerve Blocks With Liposomal Bupivacaine for Analgesia in a Patient With Calciphylaxis: A Case Report

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman with juvenile idiopathic arthritis complicated by nonuremic calciphylaxis presented for pain management of bilateral lower extremity wounds requiring frequent dressing changes. Bilateral single-shot femoral nerve blocks using liposomal bupivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine were performed. The patient reported decreased pain scores and had reduced opioid use for 72 hours postblock. Repeat, bilateral single-shot femoral nerve blocks with liposomal bupivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine were performed approximately every 72 hours to maintain adequate analgesia. We conclude that off-label use of liposomal bupivacaine in femoral nerve blocks results in prolonged block duration without adverse effects or tachyphylaxis.