Despite its introduction in 1908, the technique of intravenous regional analgesia did not achieve popularity until it was reintroduced by Holmes in 1963. This simple technique has proved its usefulness in most operative and manipulative procedures on the extremities, including suture of lacerations, tendon repair, abscess incision and fracture work. It is more often used in the upper limb, as the arm requires a lesser total dose of the local anaesthetic agent, and does not have the same potential for precipitation of vascular pathology.