Orthopedic surgery—whether following trauma or performed electively—often involves significant postoperative pain and functional limitation. Optimal anesthesia and analgesia are crucial not only for patient comfort, but also for enhancing early mobilization, reducing complications, and improving long-term outcomes. In recent years, regional anesthesia has evolved from traditional landmark-based nerve blocks toward ultrasound-guided and multimodal approaches that prioritize precision, safety, and recovery.

This Research Topic aims to highlight current evidence, innovations, and best practices in regional anesthesia and pain management for orthopedic surgery, covering both traumatic and elective cases.

We welcome contributions to address current advances in block techniques (such as peripheral nerve blocks, fascial plane blocks, and continuous catheter approaches), the role of local anesthetic adjuvants, and integration of regional anesthesia within enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways. Special attention will be given to challenges in trauma patients, where urgent procedures, comorbidities, and polytrauma demand individualized analgesic strategies.

Emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence for block planning, 3D ultrasound, and virtual simulation—are reshaping the landscape of regional anesthesia education and clinical practice. Systematic reviews, consensus statements, and translational studies addressing these themes are also encouraged.

By bringing together experts in regional anesthesia, orthopedic surgery, and acute pain medicine, this Research Topic seeks to provide an up-to-date, multidisciplinary perspective on perioperative management with focus on analgesia. Ultimately, the goal is to define how modern regional techniques can optimize patient outcomes, shorten hospital stays, and minimize opioid exposure across the full spectrum of orthopedic procedures—from emergency trauma cases to elective joint replacements.

Potential subtopics include:

• Innovations in ultrasound-guided and fascial plane blocks

• Regional anesthesia in polytrauma and high-risk patients

• Continuous peripheral nerve catheters and ambulatory analgesia

• Multimodal and opioid-sparing pain management

• Regional anesthesia in ERAS pathways

• Training, simulation, and education

• Safety, outcomes, and quality improvement initiatives

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Frontiers / Advances in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management for Orthopedic Surgery: From Trauma to Elective Care