Selected recent publications relevant to regional anaesthesia, with short summaries and links to the original articles.
Original researchBMJ · 2026
Epidural analgesia in labour and neonatal and childhood outcomes
Kearns RJ, Kyzayeva A, Singh S, et al. BMJ. 2026;394:e343320. doi:10.1136/bmj-2026-343320.
This large Scottish cohort study found no clinically important association between labour epidural analgesia and serious neonatal neurological illness, neonatal death or childhood cerebral palsy. The observational design cannot establish causation, but the findings are reassuring for patients and clinicians.
Read the study ↗Clinical reviewBJA Education · 2026
Anaesthesia and analgesia for total knee arthroplasty
de Carvalho CC, Miles J, Sebastian MP. BJA Education. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.bjae.2026.03.004.
This practical review outlines anaesthetic and multimodal analgesic strategies for total knee arthroplasty, including spinal anaesthesia and motor-sparing regional techniques. It provides a concise clinical overview focused on effective analgesia, early mobilisation and recovery.
Read the review ↗EditorialAnaesthesia · 2026
Strengthening governance in regional anaesthesia: balancing collective competence and risk management
Jamal N, Smith A. Anaesthesia. 2026;81:1047–1051. doi:10.1111/anae.70190.
This editorial argues that regional anaesthesia governance should promote collective clinical competence as well as reduce risk. It highlights structured theoretical teaching, simulation, supervised practice, block rooms and peer-led training as important ways to build and maintain skills, alongside standardised safety processes.
Read the editorial ↗Technical reportRAPM · 2026
Superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery: a vascular landmark in the mid-calf for ultrasound-guided ankle block
Coffey D, Skerritt CJ. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published online 24 July 2026. doi:10.1136/rapm-2026-107792.
In an ultrasound-guided ankle block, each nerve has a well-described neighbouring blood vessel to help find it, except the superficial peroneal nerve. Authors from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh, describe a small artery they have repeatedly seen next to this nerve in the middle third of the leg, which they believe is the superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery, and explain how to locate it.
Read the report ↗These summaries are for professional education. They do not replace reading the full publication, local guidance or individual clinical judgement.