Does Intraosseous Infusion Hurt?

The procedure is both safe and effective in children and adults. IO access can be extremely painful. However, the patient's pain level can be reduced to a bearable level by injecting 2% preservative-free lidocaine through a special port before starting the infusion.

What are disadvantages of intraosseous route?

Known rare complications of IO access include extravasation, soft-tissue necrosis, bone fractures or injury to growth plates, infiltration of medications, infection, subcutaneous abscess, osteomyelitis, and embolic complications (fat emboli). Extravasation of fluid is the most common complication.

Why would you need an intraosseous infusion?

Intraosseous infusion (IO) is used in pediatric populations during anesthesia when other intravenous access, central venous catherization or venous cutdown, are difficult to use or cannot be used. When individuals are severely ill and are in need of "rapid, efficient, and safe delivery of drugs", IO is used.