Anatomic barriers to paraspinal blocks: a cadaver case series

Abstract The paraspinal space is intriguing in nature. There are several needle tip placements described in compact anatomical spaces. This has led to an incertitude regarding the appropriate anatomic locations for needle tip positions. Through our cadaver models we try to resolve the issues surrounding needle tip positions clarifying anatomical spaces and barriers. Further we propose an anatomical classification based on our findings in cadaveric open dissections and cross and sagittal sections.

Supra-inguinal fascia iliaca block in older-old patients for hip fractures: a retrospective study

Abstract Background: Pain management in hip fracture patients is of great importance for reducing postoperative morbidity and mortality. Multimodal techniques, including peripheral nerve blocks, are preferred for postoperative analgesia. Older-old hip fracture patients with high ASA scores are highly sensitive to the side effects of NSAIDs and opioids. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of the recently popularized Supra-Inguinal Fascia Iliaca Block (SIFIB) in this population. Methods: Forty-one ASA III-IV patients who underwent SIFIB + PCA (G-SIFIB) or PCA alone (Group Control: GC) after general anesthesia were evaluated retrospectively. In addition to 24-hour opioid consumption, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, opioid-related side effects, block-related complications, and length of hospital stay were compared. Results: Twenty-two patients in G-SIFIB and 19 patients in GC were evaluated. The postoperative 24-hour opioid consumption was lower in G-SIFIB than in GC (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant reduction in VAS scores at the postoperative 1st, 3rd, and 6th hours at rest (p < 0.001) and during movement (p < 0.001 for the 1st and 3rd hours, and p = 0.02 for the 6th hour) in G-SIFIB compared to GC. There was no difference in pain scores at the 12th and 24th hours postoperatively. While there was no difference between the groups in terms of other side effects, respiratory depression was significantly higher in GC than in G-SIFIB (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The SIFIB technique has a significant opioid-sparing effect and thus reduces opioid-related side effects in the first 24 hours after hip fracture surgery in older-old patients.

Bloqueo del músculo erector de la espina como rescate analgésico para control de dolor agudo postoperatorio en fractura de escápula: reporte de caso / Erector spinae plane block as an analgesic rescue to acute control postoperative pain in scapula fracture: case report

Resumen: Introducción: el bloqueo en el plano del músculo erector de la espina (ESPB, por sus siglas en inglés) es un procedimiento seguro, en teoría menos exigente que las técnicas convencionales de anestesia regional torácica. Se utiliza para el tratamiento del dolor agudo y crónico. En la revisión de la literatura, no se encontraron informes de su uso como una técnica única en el dolor agudo de fractura de escápula. Presentación de caso: se reporta un caso clínico de ESPB como técnica experimental para el control del dolor postoperatorio agudo en fracturas de la escápula con aplicación a nivel T2. Se llevó a cabo postoperatorio con disminución de dolor después de 10 minutos de realizado, con una calificación de cero en la escala análoga del dolor. En este caso el ESPB fue realizado en el postoperatorio inmediato, con lo que se logró una disminución total del dolor a los 10 minutos, con posterior control de dolor a las 36 horas. Conclusión: este caso muestra la efectividad de ESPB como técnica experimental para control de dolor postoperatorio en fractura de escápula.

Abstract: Introduction: the erector spine plane block (ESPB) is a safe procedure, technically is less demanding than conventional thoracic regional anesthesia techniques. It is used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. In the literature review, no reports of its use as a single technique in the acute pain of scapula fracture were found. Case presentation: ESPB is reported in a case as an experimental technique for controlling acute postoperative pain in scapula fractures with an application at the T2 level. It was performed postoperatively with a decrease in pain after 10 minutes and a score of zero on the analog pain scale. In this case, the ESPB was performed in the immediate postoperative period, achieving a total decrease in pain at 10 minutes, with subsequent pain control at 36 hours. Conclusion: this case shows the effectiveness of ESPB as an experimental technique for postoperative pain control in scapula fractures.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis in pancreatic cancer-associated pain: different technical approaches in three challenging cases

Abdominal pain is severe in the vast majority of patients with pancreatic cancer. In some cases, chronic use of analgesics markedly reduces quality of life due to side effects. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis is a procedure that controls cancerassociated pain in this population and consists of injecting a neurolytic agent around or within the celiac plexus. In this report, we present three cases with different technical approaches for celiac plexus neurolysis.

El cáncer de páncreas se puede presentar con dolor abdominal intenso, siendo necesario el uso de analgésicos a largo plazo en muchos de los pacientes. Sin embargo, estos medicamentos pueden tener efectos adversos que finalmente reducen la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La neurólisis del plexo celíaco guiada por ecoendoscopia es un procedimiento que controla el dolor asociado a este tipo de neoplasia y consiste en inyectar un agente neurolítico en o alrededor del plexo celíaco. Presentamos tres casos en los cuales se realizan diferentes técnicas de abordaje terapéutico.

Radial Nerve Supracondylar Block Versus Fracture Hematoma Block. Comparison of Their Efficacy in Cases of Fractures of the Distal Third of the Radius / Bloqueio supracondilar de nervo radial versus bloqueio de hematoma de fratura. Comparativo de sua eficácia em casos de fraturas do terço distal do rádio

Abstract Objective The present study compares the analgesic efficacy of two techniques to perform non-surgical reduction: fracture hematoma block and radial nerve supracondylar block. Methods Forty patients with fractures of the distal third of the radius, who required reduction, were selected in a quasi-randomized clinical trial to receive one of the anesthetic techniques. All patients signed the informed consent form, except for those who did not wish to participate in the study, had neurological injury, had contraindication to the procedure in the emergency room, or with contraindication to the use of lidocaine. To measure analgesia, the numerical pain rate scale was used at four different moments: preblock, postblock, during reduction, and after reduction; then three differences were calculated: the first between before and after blocking; the second between during reduction and after blockade; and the third between before blocking and after reduction. Results The fracture hematoma and supracondylar block groups showed the following mean values, respectively: 3.90 (1-10) and 3.50 (-6-10) in difference 1; 4.35 (-5-10) and 5.00 (-3-10) in difference 2; and 4.65 (1-10) and 3.80 (-3-10) in difference 3. Conclusion Both techniques proved to be efficient for analgesia, with mild superiority of hematoma block, but without statistical significance.

Resumo Objetivo O estudo compara a eficácia analgésica de duas técnicas para realizar redução incruenta: o bloqueio de hematoma da fratura e o bloqueio supracondilar de nervo radial. Métodos Quarenta pacientes com fraturas do terço distal do rádio, que necessitassem redução, foram selecionados em um ensaio clínico quasi-randomizado, para receber uma das técnicas anestésicas. Todos os pacientes assinaram o termo de consentimento ou assentimento, com exceção daqueles que não desejassem participar do estudo, tivessem lesão neurológica, com contraindicação ao procedimento na sala de emergências, ou com contraindicação ao uso da lidocaína. Para aferir a analgesia foi utilizada a escala numérica da dor em quatro momentos distintos: pré-bloqueio, pós-bloqueio, durante a redução e após a redução; em seguida, foram calculadas três diferenças: a primeira entre antes e após o bloqueio; a segunda entre durante a redução e após o bloqueio; e a terceira entre antes do bloqueio e após a redução. Resultados Os grupos do bloqueio de hematoma de fratura e bloqueio supracondilar apresentaram respectivamente os seguintes valores médios: 3.90 (1-10) e 3.50 (-6-10) na diferença 1; 4.35 (-5-10) e 5.00 (-3-10) na diferença 2; e 4.65 (1-10) e 3.80 (-3-10) na diferença 3. Conclusão As duas técnicas se provaram eficientes para analgesia, com discreta superioridade do bloqueio de hematoma, mas sem significância estatística.

Evaluation of the efficacy of peripheral nerve block alone in episodic and chronic migraine patients / Avaliação da eficácia do bloqueio isolado do nervo periférico em pacientes com enxaquecas episódicas e crônicas

Abstract Background Peripheral nerve block (PNB) is usually performed in patients with migraine who are resistant to treatment with medications. Objective To compare the efficacy of PNB alone and PNB combined with prophylactic medications in migraine patients. Method The data on migraine patients who underwent PNB in our clinic between November 2019 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Blocks of the greater occipital nerve (GON), lesser occipital nerve (LON) and supraorbital nerve (SON) were performed upon admission and in the second week. Results The study included 116 patients. While 21 out of 39 episodic migraine (EM) patients continued to use prophylactic medications, 18 were followed up with PNB alone. While 49 out of 77 chronic migraine (CM) patients continued to use prophylactic medications, 28 were followed up with PNB alone. Comparison of the admission and second-month data of the patients who only underwent PNB and those who continued the drug treatment together with PNB in both the EM and the CM group showed that the number of days with pain, number of analgesics taken and scores on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) were significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.01). Comparison of the second-month data of the patients followed up with PNB alone and those followed up with PNB together with prophylactic medications showed that there was no significant difference between the EM and CM patients (p > 0.05). Conclusion Bilateral GON, LON and SON block with lidocaine injection seems to be an effective treatment on its own, without the need for prophylactic medications, in both EM and CM patients during a two-month follow-up.

Resumo Antecedentes O bloqueio de nervos periféricos (BNP) geralmente é realizado em pacientes com migrânea resistentes ao tratamento medicamentoso. Objetivo Comparar a eficácia do BNP isolado e do BNP combinado com medicamentos profiláticos em pacientes com enxaqueca. Método Os dados de pacientes com enxaqueca submetidos a BNP em nossa clínica entre novembro de 2019 e janeiro de 2022 foram revisados retrospectivamente. Bloqueios do nervo occipital maior (NOM), nervo occipital menor (NOM) e nervo supraorbital (NSO) foram realizados na admissão e na segunda semana. Resultados O estudo incluiu 116 pacientes. Enquanto 21 dos 39 pacientes com enxaqueca episódica (EE) continuaram a usar medicamentos profiláticos, 18 foram acompanhados apenas com BNP. Enquanto 49 dos 77 pacientes com enxaqueca crônica (EC) continuaram a usar medicamentos profiláticos, 28 foram acompanhados apenas com BNP. A comparação dos dados de admissão e do segundo mês dos pacientes que fizeram apenas BNP e daqueles que continuaram o tratamento medicamentoso junto com BNP, tanto no grupo EE quanto no grupo EC, mostrou que o número de dias com dor, o número de analgésicos tomados e os escores da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e da Avaliação da Incapacidade da Enxaqueca (AIE) foram significativamente reduzidos em ambos os grupos (p < 0,01). A comparação dos dados do segundo mês dos pacientes acompanhados apenas com BNP e aqueles acompanhados com BNP juntamente com medicações profiláticas mostrou que não houve diferença significativa entre os pacientes EE e EC (p > 0,05). Conclusão O bloqueio bilateral de NOM, NOM e NSO com injeção de lidocaína parece ser um tratamento eficaz por si só, sem a necessidade de medicamentos profiláticos, tanto em pacientes EE quanto com EC durante um seguimento de dois meses.

Block of the Pericapsular Nerve Group of the Hip with and without Ultrasound Guidance: Comparative Cadaveric Study / Bloqueio do grupo de nervos pericapsulares do quadril com e sem auxílio de ultrassonografia: Estudo cadavérico comparativo

Abstract Objective To evaluate the technical reproducibility of a block of the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) of the hip aided or not by ultrasound in cadavers. Materials and Methods The present is a randomized, descriptive, and comparative anatomical study on 40 hips from 2 cadaver groups. We compared the PENG block technique with the method with no ultrasound guidance. After injecting a methylene blue dye, we verified the dispersion and topographical staining of the anterior hip capsule through dissection. In addition, we evaluated the injection orifice in both techniques. Results In the comparative analysis of the techniques, there were no puncture failures, damage to noble structures in the orifice path, or differences in the results. Only 1 hip from each group (5%) presented inadequate dye dispersion within the anterior capsule, and in 95% of the cases submitted to either technique, there was adequate dye dispersion at the target region. Conclusion Hip PENG block with no ultrasound guidance is feasible, safe, effective, and highly reliable compared to its conventional counterpart. The present is a pioneer study that can help patients with hip pain from various causes in need of relief.

Resumo Objetivo Propor e avaliar a reprodutibilidade técnica do bloqueio do grupo de nervos pericapsulares (pericapsular nerve group, PENG, em inglês) do quadril sem o auxílio da ultrassonografia, em cadáveres, de forma comparativa à realização do bloqueio guiado pela ultrassonografia em outro grupo de cadáveres. Materiais e Métodos Estudo anatômico randomizado, descritivo e comparativo, realizado em 40 quadris divididos em 2 grupos amostrais de cadáveres. Fez-se uma comparação da técnica do bloqueio do PENG à técnica não guiada por ultrassonografia injetando-se corante azul de metileno, seguida de dissecção para verificação da dispersão e da coloração topográfica da cápsula anterior do quadril, além de avaliação do pertuito das injeções entre as técnicas. Resultados Na análise comparativa das técnicas, não houve falha na punção, lesão de estruturas nobres no pertuito, ou diferença nos resultados. Não houve adequada dispersão do corante pela cápsula anterior somente em 1 quadril de cada grupo (5%), e em 95% dos casos submetidos a qualquer uma das técnicas observou-se dispersão adequada do corante pela região alvo. Conclusão O bloqueio do PENG do quadril sem auxílio de ultrassonografia é factível, seguro, eficaz, e com alta confiabilidade quando comparado à sua realização guiada pelo aparelho de imagem. Este estudo é pioneiro, e pode ajudar muito os pacientes que têm dor no quadril por diversas causas e necessitam alívio.

Menor aerolización con bloqueo del nervio laríngeo superior comparado con lidocaína intravenosa a la extubación / Less aerolization with superior laryngeal nerve block compared to intravenous lidocaine at extubation

Resumen: Introducción: La tos es una respuesta fisiológica de protección de la vía aérea, produce aerosoles que se identifican por imagen y alcanza una velocidad de hasta ocho metros por segundo. La extubación produce tos, hipertensión, taquicardia, apnea y laringoespasmo, existen métodos para minimizar su aparición. Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 se han utilizado como profilaxis del reflejo tusígeno, la lidocaína intravenosa y el bloqueo del nervio laríngeo superior. El objetivo fue compararlos en la inhibición de la tos. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes entre 18-60 años, cirugía electiva con anestesia general balanceada, ASA 1-3, con intubación menor a tres horas. Se aleatorizó un total de 90 pacientes, 45 en cada grupo, se eliminó un total de 10 pacientes por presentar inestabilidad hemodinámica al final de la cirugía o por no administrar dosis intravenosa de lidocaína en el tiempo establecido. Resultados: No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de pacientes que presentaron tos en ambos grupos (13 vs 10, p = 0.4684), de éstos se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de decibeles a favor del grupo de bloqueo (75.6 vs 67, p < 0.001). Conclusiones: El bloqueo (selectivo) presenta menos aerolización que la lidocaína intravenosa en la extubación.

Abstract: Introduction: Coughing is a physiological response to protect the airway, it produces aerosols that are identified by imaging reaching a speed of up to 8 meters per second. Extubation produces cough, hypertension, tachycardia, apnea and laryngospasm, there are methods to minimize its occurrence. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, intravenous lidocaine and superior laryngeal nerve block have been used as cough reflex prophylaxis. The aim was to compare them in cough inhibition. Material and methods: Patients aged 18-60 years, elective surgery with balanced general anesthesia, ASA 1-3, with intubation less than 3 hours, were selected. A total of 90 patients were randomized, 45 in each group. A total of 10 patients were eliminated because they presented hemodynamic instability at the end of surgery, and because the intravenous dose of lidocaine was not administered within the established time. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who presented cough in both groups (13 vs 10, p = 0.4684), of these there was a statistically significant difference in the number of decibels in favor of the block group (75.6 vs 67, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Block presents less aerolization than intravenous lidocaine in extubation.

Adhesive Capsulitis' Patients Report Improvement in Functionality Trough International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Checklist and Dash After Suprascapular Nerve Blocks / Pacientes com capsulite adesiva relatam melhora da funcionalidade pela Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde e DASH após bloqueios do nervo supraescapular

Abstract Objective To evaluate the functionality in patients with adhesive capsulitis undergoing suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Methods A before-and-after clinical prospective study in a single center was conducted with patients with secondary adhesive capsulitis treated with four nerve blocks based on anatomical limits. The sample was non-probabilistic, and it was obtained after a routine appointment at a specialized outpatient clinic. The instruments used for evaluation were the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, which were applied at baseline (T0), one week after the fourth SSNB (T4), and three months after the first SSNB (T12). The paired t-test was used to compare the means of the ICF checklist items and DASH in the different: T0xT4;T4xT12;and T0xT12). The probability of rejecting the null hypothesis was 5%. Results The sample was composed of 25 individuals with a mean age of 58.16 years; 16 of them were female. The duration of the pain symptoms ranged from 2 to 16 months, with a mean of 5.92 months. The ICF checklist showed that all domains had already improved in T4 except for the environmental factors, which only improved at 03 months (p = 0.037). The patients reported improvements in shoulder function in T4, which increased more in T12, at the end of data collection (p = 0.019). Conclusion The SSNB technique is effective in patients with adhesive capsulitis after4 weeks of application, with improvements in individual's functionality lasting for 12 weeks.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a funcionalidade em pacientes com capsulite adesiva submetidos a bloqueio do nervo supraescapular (BNSE). Métodos Um estudo clínico prospectivo do tipo antes e depois foi realizado em um único centro com pacientes com capsulite adesiva secundária tratados com quatro bloqueios baseados em limites anatômicos. A amostra foi não probabilística, tendo sido obtida após consulta de rotina em ambulatório especializado. Os instrumentos utilizados para avaliação foram a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) e o questionário de Disfunções do Braço, Ombro e Mão (DASH), que foram aplicados antes da intervenção (T0), uma semana após o quarto BNSE (T4),etrêsapósoprimeiroBNSE(T12).AsmédiasdositensdaCIFedoDASHnos diferentes tempos (T0 x T4; T4 x T12; e T0 x T12) foram comparadas por meio do teste t pareado. A probabilidade de rejeitar a hipótese nula foi de 5%. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 25 indivíduos com média de idade de 58,16 anos; 16 eram mulheres. A duração dos sintomas dolorosos variou de 2 a 16 meses, com média de 5,92 meses. A CIF mostrou que todos os domínios já haviam melhorado em T4 à exceção dos fatores ambientais, que só melhoraram aos 3 meses (p = 0,037). Os pacientes já relataram melhora na função do ombro em T4 emaisainda em T12,ao finaldacoletadedados (p = 0,019). Conclusão A técnica de BNSE é eficaz em pacientes com capsulite adesiva após 4 semanas de aplicação, com melhora da funcionalidade do indivíduo e sua manutenção até 12 semanas.

Complicaciones de la técnica anestésica mandibular Spix en la clínica odontológica de la Universidad Andrés Bello / Incidence of complications of mandibular anesthetic Spix techniques in the Andrés Bello University dental clinic

Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de complicaciones de la técnica anestésica Spix en procedimientos odontológicos a pacientes atendidos en la clínica de la Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB). Material y Métodos: Se analizó a 37 pacientes que fueron atendidos por alumnos de cuarto y quinto año de la clínica odontológica, a los cuales se le realizó la técnica anestésica Spix para realizar el procedimiento odontológico. Se consignó mediante la observación la presencia de formación de hematomas intraorales en el sitio de punción, rotura de la aguja, cantidad de tubos de solución anestésica inyectados, presencia de dolor a la inyección de solución anestésico y la presencia o no de parálisis facial. Mediante la recolección de datos y posterior encuesta a los participantes se consignó la presencia de trismus al día siguiente de la atención y parestesia persistente al día siguiente de la atención. Resultados: De 37 pacientes estudiados que recibieron la técnica anestésica Spix, 6 presentaron hematoma intraoral (16,2%), ninguno reportó rotura de la aguja, 1 presentó parálisis facial (2,7%), 1 presentó parestesia persistente al día siguiente (2,7%), 12 presentaron trismus posterior a la inyección (32,4%). El rango de dolor reportado fue entre 1 y 4 según la escala EVA. Conclusión: Hay una baja incidencia de las complicaciones asociadas a la técnica anestésica Spix en la clínica odontológica de la UNAB, siendo el trismus la complicación más frecuente. Se necesita un mayor número de muestra para entender mejor esta realidad.

Objective: To determine the incidence of complications of the Spix anesthetic technique in the dental procedures of patients attended at the Andrés Bello University dental clinic. Material and Methods: 37 patients who were cared for by fourth- and fifth-year students from the dental clinic of the Andrés Bello University were analyzed, who underwent the Spix anesthetic technique to perform the dental procedure. The presence of intraoral hematoma formation at the puncture site, needle breakage, number of injected anesthesia tubes, presence of pain upon injection of anesthetic and the presence or not of facial paralysis were recorded. Through data collection and subsequent survey of the participants, the presence of trismus was recorded the day after care. Results. Of the 37 cases of patients studied who received the Spix anesthetic technique, 6 had intraoral hematoma (16.2%), no needle break was reported, 1 had facial paralysis (2.7%), 1 had persistent paresthesia at the next day (2.7%), 12 presented trismus after the injection (32.4%), the pain range was between 1 and 4 according to the VAS scale. Conclusion. There is a low incidence of complications associated with the Spix anesthetic technique in the Andrés Bello University dental clinic, trismus being the most frequent (32.4%). A larger sample number should be needed to better understand this reality.

Transient median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block: a case report

Abstract The subscapularis plane block is an effective approach to anesthetize axillary and upper subscapular nerves. There have been no reports regarding brachial plexus paralysis as a potential complication to date. Described here is a case of median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block for awake frozen shoulder manipulation that was performed on a 52-year-old female diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. The patient could not flex digits two and three, and ipsilateral inner palm numbness occurred shortly after the block commenced, with complete resolution in the next two hours. The local anesthetics spillage towards brachial plexus with possible partial paralysis should always be expected after subscapularis plane block.

Bilateral versus unilateral erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled study

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the common surgical intervention for benign biliary diseases. Postoperative pain after LC remains as an important problem, with two components: somatic and visceral. Trocar entry incisions lead to somatic pain, while peritoneal distension with diaphragm irritation leads to visceral pain. Following its description by Forero et al., the erector spinae plane (ESP) block acquired considerable popularity among clinicians. This led to the use of ESP block for postoperative pain management for various operations. Materials and methods This study was conducted between January and June 2019. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. All the patients received bilateral or unilateral ESP block at the T8 level preoperatively according to their groups. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms NRS scores either at rest or while coughing at any time interval except for postoperative 6th hour (p = 0.023). Morphine consumption was similar between the groups but was significantly lower in group B at 12 and 24 hours (p = 0.044 and p = 0.022, respectively). Twelve patients in group A and three patients in group B had shoulder pain and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.011). Discussion In conclusion, bilateral ESP block provided more effective analgesia than unilateral ESP block in patients undergoing elective LC. Bilateral ESP block reduced the amount of opioid consumption and the incidence of postoperative shoulder pain.

The use of adhesive radiopaque grids in genicular nerve block by radioscopy / O uso de máscara localizadora no bloqueio de nervos geniculares por radioscopia

ABSTRACT The performance of genicular nerve block requires an imaging method to guide the procedure. Radioscopy has the disadvantage of being radiation dependent. Objective: To assess whether the use of adhesive radiopaque grids reduce radiation exposure in these cases. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 23 orthopedists in which needles were positioned in a model with and without the use of adhesive radiopaque grids. The number of fluoroscopy shots necessary for proper positioning in three points (superior lateral, superior medial, and inferior medial) were registered. Results: A statistical difference was observed in the three blocking points studied. The number of radioscopies required for these three points were 12.1 ± 2.5 in the group without grid and 5.0 ± 1.8 in the group with grid. The superior medial point presented the greatest numerical difference and the inferior medial point the smallest. Conclusion: The use of adhesive radiopaque grids led to a statistically significant reduction in the number of radioscopies/fluoroscopies required to perform the genicular block. The use of this device increases the safety of the physician and patient by reducing radiation exposure in this procedure. Level of Evidence III, Level of Evidence II, Random Clinical Trial.

RESUMO Para a realização do bloqueio de nervos geniculares é necessário guiar o procedimento por um método de imagem. A radioscopia possui a desvantagem de ser dependente de radiação. Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso de máscaras localizadoras diminui a exposição à radiação nesses casos. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 23 ortopedistas, que realizaram o posicionamento de agulhas em um modelo com e sem o uso da máscara localizadora. Foi registrado o número de escopias necessárias para o posicionamento adequado em três pontos: superior lateral, superior medial e inferior medial. Resultados: Foi observada diferença estatística nos três pontos de bloqueio analisados. O número de radioscopias necessárias nos três pontos somados foi de 12,1 ± 2,5, no grupo sem máscara, e 5,0 ± 1,8, no grupo com máscara. O ponto superior medial foi o que apresentou a maior diferença numérica, e o inferior medial a menor. Conclusão: O uso da máscara localizadora reduziu de forma estatisticamente significativa o número de escopias necessárias para a realização do bloqueio genicular. O uso desse dispositivo aumenta a segurança do médico e do paciente por diminuir a exposição à radioscopia nesse procediment. Nível de Evidência III, Ensaio clínico randomizado aberto - Nível de recomendação B - nível de evidência 2b.

Analgesia effect of dexamethasone combined with dexmedetomidine on femoral nerve block with ropivacaine after total knee replacement in elderly patients / 药学实践杂志

Objective To observe the analgesia effect of dexamethasone combined with dexmedetomidine on femoral nerve block with ropivacaine after total knee replacement in elderly patients. Methods 96 elderly patients undergoing total knee replacement with femoral nerve block analgesia from January 2019 to December 2020 in the hospital were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into control group (C), dexamethasone group (E1), dexmedetomidine group (E2) and dexamethasone combined with dexmedetomidine group (E3) according to nerve block drug formulation. The general data and operation condition were collected, the VAS score at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and the Ramsay sedation score at 6 h after surgery were compared, the postoperative morphine consumption and duration of analgesia were analyzed, and the incidence of adverse reactions after operation was observed. Results Patients in four groups showed no significant differences in general data and operation time. The VAS score and Ramsay score at 6 h postoperatively in E2 and E3 were significantly lower than that in C, while there were no significant differences in VAS score at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively among four groups. Postoperative morphine consumption in E2 and E3 was significantly lower, and the duration of analgesia in E1, E2 and E3 was significantly longer than that in C. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other adverse reactions after operation among four groups. Conclusion Dexamethasone combined with dexmedetomidine could enhance the analgesic effect of femoral nerve block with ropivacaine in elderly patients after total knee replacement without increasing the adverse reactions, which would be both safe and effective.

Application of the theory of equal emphasis on muscle and bone in percutaneous vertebroplasty of lumbar osteoporotic compression fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) combined with nerve block in the treatment of lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures under the guidance of traditional chinese medicine "theory of equal emphasis on muscle and bone".@*METHODS@#Total of 115 patients with lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty from January 2015 to March 2022, including 51 males and 64 females, aged 25 to 86 (60.5±15.9) years. Among them, 48 cases were treated with PVP operation combined with erector spinae block and joint block of the injured vertebral articular eminence (intervention group), and 67 cases were treated with conventional PVP operation (control group). The visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI) before operation, 3 days, 1 month and 6 months after operation between two groups were evaluated. The operation time, number of punctures and intraoperative bleeding between two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The VAS and ODI scores of both groups improved significantly after operation compared with those before operation(P<0.05). Moreover, the VAS and ODI scores of 3 days and 1 month after operation of the intervention group improved more significantly than that of the control group(P<0.05). The difference of VAS and ODI scores before operation and 6 months after operation between two groups had no statistical significances(P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of punctures and intraoperative bleeding between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the theory of "equal emphasis on muscles and bones", PVP combined with nerve block can effectively relieve paravertebral soft tissue spasm and other "muscle injuries", which can significantly improve short-term postoperative low back pain and lumbar spine mobility compared to conventional PVP treatment, and accelerate postoperative recovery, resulting in satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Optimization strategies of anesthesia for modified radical mastectomy: pecto-intercostal fascial block-pectoral nerve block type Ⅱ-general anesthesia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB)-pectoral nerve block type Ⅱ (PECS Ⅱ block)-general anesthesia for modified radical mastectomy.Methods:Forty-six patients, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, aged 40-65 yr, scheduled for elective modified radical mastectomy, were divided into 2 groups ( n=23 each) using a random number table method: PECS Ⅱ block-general anesthesia group (group P+ G) and PIFB-PECS Ⅱ block-general anesthesia group (group P+ P+ G). The patients received ultrasound-guided PECS Ⅱ block (P+ G group) or PIFB combined with PECS Ⅱ block (P+ P+ G group) in the pre-anesthesia room. Then the patients were admitted to the operating room, and midazolam, propofol, sufentanil and cisatracurium were used for anesthesia induction, and sevoflurane, remifentanil and cisatracurium were used for anesthesia maintenance. The intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, emergence time and extubation time were recorded. Flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg was intravenously injected as rescue analgesic after operation, and visual analog scale score was maintained ≤3 at rest. The requirement for rescue analgesia and occurrence of nausea and vomiting within 24 h after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with group P+ G, the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil was significantly decreased, the emergence time and extubation time were shortened, the rate of rescue analgesia within 24 h after operation was decreased, the time of first rescue analgesia was prolonged ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the incidence of nausea and vomiting in group P+ P+ G ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with PECS Ⅱ block-general anesthesia, PIFB-PECS Ⅱ block-general anesthesia can reduce the amount of intraoperative opioids, inhibit postoperative hyperalgesia and promote early postoperative recovery when used for modified radical mastectomy.

Optimization strategy of anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: combination of esketamine and fascia iliaca compartment-subarachnoid block / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of esketamine combined with fascia iliaca compartment-subarachnoid block in optimizing anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.Methods:Sixty-two American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ elderly patients of either sex, aged 60-85 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-30.0 kg/m 2, were divided into 2 groups ( n=31 each) using a random number table method: fascia iliaca compartment-subarachnoid block group (FS group) and esketamine combined with fascia iliaca compartment-subarachnoid block group (ES group). In FS group, patients underwent ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block at 30 min before the operation of subarachnoid anesthesia on the surgical side. In ES group, esketamine 0.25 mg/kg was intravenously administered at 5 min before skin incision based on the fascia iliaca compartment-subarachnoid block. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was used for postoperative analgesia, and tramadol 1 mg/kg was intravenously given for rescue analgesia when numerical rating scale score > 4. The pressing times of patient-controlled analgesic pump, the number of rescue analgesia and consumption of tramadol were recorded within 48 h after operation. The occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions (respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, pruritus, illusion, nightmares) was recorded. Results:Compared with FS group, the consumption of postoperative tramadol was significantly decreased, and the pressing times of patient-controlled analgesic pump and the number of rescue analgesia were reduced in ES group ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Combination of esketamine with fascia iliaca compartment-subarachnoid block for hip fracture surgery can raise postoperative analgesia and optimize clinical management strategies in elderly patients.

Effect of superior cervical ganglion block on cardiac function and NLRP3 signaling pathway in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of superior cervical ganglion block (SCGB) on cardiac function and nucleotide like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).Methods:Sixty healthy SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, aged 2-3 months, were divided into 4 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (sham group), myocardial I/R group (IR group), myocardial I/R + normal saline group (IR+ NS group), and myocardial I/R + SCGB group (IR+ SCGB group). Myocardial I/R model was developed by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery for 45 min followed by restoration of blood flow in anesthetized aninals. IR+ SCGB group received SCGB (0.25% ropivacaine 0.1 ml) at 10 min before reperfusion once a day for 2 consecutive weeks, while 0.9% sodium chloride was given instead of ropivacaine in IR+ NS group. Blood samples were collected at 24 h and 14 days of reperfusion for determination of serum concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), troponin T (TnT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-1β by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Echocardiography was performed before ischemia and at 14 days of reperfusion, and left ventricular short axis shortening rate (FS), ejection fraction (EF), and cardiac output (CO) were measured. The rats were sacrificed at 14 days of reperfusion and the hearts were taken for determination of the contents of norepinephrine (NE) in myocardial tissues in the infarction area (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), percentage of myocardial fibrosis area (by Masson staining), M1 macrophage marker CD68 + cell count in the infarction area (by immunohistochemical method), and expression of NLRP3 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in myocardial tissues (by Western blot). Results:Compared with Sham group, the serum concentrations of TnT, TNF-α, IL-18 and IL-1β, percentage of myocardial fibrosis area, and NE levels in serum and myocardial tissues were significantly increased, the expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD in myocardial tissues was up-regulated, CD68 + cell count was increased, and EF, CO and FS were decreased in IR group ( P<0.05). Compared with IR group, the serum concentrations of TnT, TNF-α, IL-18 and IL-1β, percentage of myocardial fibrosis area, and NE levels in serum and myocardial tissues were significantly decreased, the expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD in myocardial tissues was down-regulated, CD68 + cell count was decreased, and EF, CO and FS were increased in IR+ SCGB group ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in IR+ NS group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:SCGB can improve the cardiac function in a rat model of myocardial I/R, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Comparison of pericapsular nerve group block and fascia iliaca compartment block for analgesia following hip fracture surgery: a meta-analysis / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To systematically compare the analgesic efficacy of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) after hip fracture surgery.Methods:Databases including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were searched for randomized controlled trials involving comparison of the analgesic efficacy of PENG block and FICB after hip fracture surgery from inception to August 2022. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score, and the secondary outcome was the amount of postoperative analgesics and incidence of postoperative adverse reactions. The data were analyzed using Revman 5.4 software.Results:Eight studies were included ( n=374), and the pain score at rest 30 min after block was significantly lower in PENG group than in FICB group ( MD=-0.35, 95% CI -0.60--0.11, I2=14%, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between PENG group and FICB group in pain scores at rest and during activity at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation ( P>0.05). Compared with FICB group, the amount of analgesics used was significantly reduced at 24 and 48 h after operation in PENG group ( MD=-9.10, 95% CI -19.11-0.91, I2=95%, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:PENG block provides better efficacy when used for analgesia following hip fracture than FICB.

Application of multimodal low opioid combined with saphenous nerve block analgesia in elderly patients undergoing knee arthroplasty / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical application of multimodal low-opioid combined with saphenous nerve block analgesia in elderly patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.Methods:This study is a randomized controlled study.A total of 60 elderly patients who underwent elective knee arthroplasty in the Department of Orthopedics, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2021 to December 2021 were selected and divided into 2 groups by numerical randomization: mode low opioid analgesia regimen group(observation group)and traditional analgesia regimen group(control group), 30 cases in each group.Observation group: (1)Preemptive analgesia: Oral celecoxib 200 mg, qd.from 3 days before surgery, the mini-mental state examination(MMSE)score was used to evaluate the cognitive function; (2)Intraoperative analgesia: After the prosthesis was installed, choose to inject analgesics around the knee joint(ropivacaine 200 mg, morphine 5 mg, epinephrine 0.25 mg, dexamethasone 5 mg/100 ml normal saline, also known as "cocktail" solution); (3)Postoperative analgesia: After the operation, continuous saphenous nerve block(0.2% ropivacaine, 2 ml/h)was performed under ultrasound guidance, and the dose of nerve block was adjusted according to the degree of rehabilitation training.Control group: no special treatment before and during the operation, traditional postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)was used after the operation, the formula WAs as follows: sufentanil(2 μg/kg)+ flurbiprofen axetil(200-300 mg)+ Tropisetron(5-10 mg). The numerical rating scale(NRS)scores were observed and recorded 1 day before surgery, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery; the time of the first active straight leg raising after surgery, the time of landing; the range of motion(ROM)of the knee joint 3, 7, and 14 days after surgery; the American Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score(HSS)at 14 days, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery; serum substance P(SP)and interleukin-6(IL-6)concentrations 1 day before surgery and 48 hours after surgery, and adverse events were recorded.Results:Compared with the control group, the patients in the observation group had lower NRS scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the operation( t=27.705, 27.532, 21.739, 25.780, all P<0.05); the first active straight leg raising time and the time of landing earlier after the operation, and the knee joint at 3, 7, and 14 days after the operation, the range of motion(ROM)was better( t=35.496, 43.716, 3.766, 5.216, 6.009, all P<0.05). And the American hospital for special surgery knee score(HSS)was higher at 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery( t=19.247, 32.337, 22.651, all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference at 6 months after surgery.Simultaneously, the serum SP and IL-6 concentrations in the observation group 48 h after the operation were (431.0±11.3)ng/L and(11.9±2.7)ng/L, respectively.Compared with the control group(442.5±15.6)ng/L, (14.4±2.9)ng/L( t=5.362, 4.144, both P<0.05). Compared with the control group, which were lower than those in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was lower, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the observation group( χ2=4.630, t=3.311, P=0.031, 0.002), and the other indicators had no statistical differences(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Multimodal low-opioid combined with saphenous nerve block analgesia can significantly reduce perioperative pain in elderly patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, improve early postoperative mobility, and speed up postoperative functional recovery.