Efficacy of ultrasound-guided infiltration with levobupivacaine and triamcinolone for myofascial pain syndrome of the quadratus lumborum: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Introduction and objectives: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) of the Quadratus Lumborum muscle (QL) is a frequent cause of chronic low back pain. With this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided infiltration with 0.25% levobupivacaine and 40 mg triamcinolone for MPS of the QL. Methods: Observational and retrospective study of participants submitted to ultrasound-guided infiltration of the QL muscle from January 1, 2015 to June 31, 2019. Pain intensity was assessed using the five-point pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS): pre-intervention, at 72 hours, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post-intervention. Additional data collected were demographic characteristics, opioid consumption, and adverse effects. Results: We assessed 90 participants with mean age of 55.2 years. Sixty-eight percent of participants were female. Compared to the pre-intervention assessment, there was an improvement in pain at 72 hours (Mean Difference [MD = 3.085]; 95% CI: 2.200-3.970, p < 0.05), at the 1st month (MD = 2.644; 95% CI: 1.667-3.621, p < 0.05), at the 3rdmonth (MD = 2.017; 95% CI: 0.202-2.729, p < 0.05) and at the 6th month (MD = 1.339; 95% CI 0.378-2.300, p < 0.05), post-intervention. No statistically significant differences in opioid consumption were observed. No adverse effects associated with the technique were reported. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided infiltration of the QL muscle is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of pain in the QL MPS within 6 months post-intervention.

Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block versus fascia iliaca compartment (FI) block for hip surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background: This study compares Fascia Iliaca compartment (FI) block and Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block for hip surgery. Methods: Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane were systematically searched in April 2022. Inclusion criteria were: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs); comparing PENG block versus FI block for hip surgery; patients over 18 years of age; and reporting outcomes immediately postoperative. We excluded studies with overlapped populations and without a head-to-head comparison of the PENG block vs. FI block. Mean-Difference (MD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were pooled. Trial Sequential Analyses (TSA) were performed to assess inconsistency. Quality assessment and risk of bias were performed according to Cochrane recommendations. Results: Eight RCTs comprising 384 patients were included, of whom 196 (51%) underwent PENG block. After hip surgery, PENG block reduced static pain score at 12h post-surgery (MD = 0.61 mm; 95% CI 1.12 to -0.09; p = 0.02) and cumulative postoperative oral morphine consumption in the first 24h (MD = -6.93 mg; 95% CI -13.60 to -0.25; p = 0.04) compared with the FI group. However, no differences were found between the two techniques regarding dynamic and static pain scores at 6 h or 24 h post-surgery, or in the time to the first analgesic rescue after surgery. Conclusion: The findings suggest that PENG block reduced opioid consumption in the first 24 h after surgery and reduced pain scores at rest at 12 h post-surgery. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of the PENG block and its potential benefits compared to FI block. PROSPERO registration: CRD42022339628 PROSPERO registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php? RecordID=339628

Quadratus Lumborum block as primary anesthetic technique for colostomy procedure: a case report

Abstract An elderly patient was admitted to the hospital due to an enterovesical fistula and a terminal colostomy was proposed. The patient had a high anesthetic risk and thus a quadratus lumborum block was chosen as the sole anesthetic technique. This block has been described to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia to the abdomen. In fact, it yielded good anesthetic conditions to perform the procedure and allowed the patient to be hemodynamically stable and comfortable throughout the case. The postoperative period was uneventful.

Bloqueos Nerviosos. Bases Anatómicas del Dolor Somático Abdomino-Pélvico / Nerve Blocks. Anatomy of the Somatic Innervation of the Abdomino-Pelvic Cavity

El dolor abdominal es una de las sintomatologías que afectan con frecuencia la cavidad abdomino-pélvica. Dicha cavidad posee una inervación somática en la que intervienen del séptimo a doceavo nervios intercostales, ramos colaterales y terminales del plexo lumbar y el nervio pudendo; siendo objetivo de este trabajo la descripción anatómica del dolor abdominopélvico a través del plexo lumbar, nervios intercostales y nervio pudendo, sus diferentes patrones y variaciones de conformación, y las implicancias de éstas últimas en las distintas maniobras clínico-quirúrgicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y morfométrico de la inervación somática de la cavidad abdomino-pélvica, en 50 preparaciones cadavéricas, fijadas en solución de formaldehído, de la Tercera Cátedra de Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, entre Agosto/2017-Diciembre/2019. La descripción clásica del plexo lumbar se encontró en 35 casos; la presencia del nervio femoral accesorio en ningún caso; así como también la ausencia del nervio iliohipogástrico en ningún caso; el nervio obturador accesorio se halló en 2 casos; el nervio genitofemoral dividiéndose dentro de la masa muscular del psoas mayor en 6 casos; el nervio cutáneo femoral lateral emergiendo únicamente de la segunda raíz lumbar en 6 casos y por último se encontró la presencia de un ramo del nervio obturador uniéndose al tronco lumbosacro en un caso. Los nervios intercostales y el nervio pudendo presentaron una disposición clásica en todos los casos analizados. Es esencial un adecuado conocimiento y descripción del plexo lumbar, nervios intercostales y nervio pudendo para un adecuado abordaje de la cavidad abdomino-pélvica en los bloqueos nerviosos.

SUMMARY: Abdominal pain is one of the symptoms that affect the abdominal-pelvic cavity. The abdominal-pelvic cavity has a somatic innervation involving the seventh to twelfth intercostal nerves, collateral and terminal branches of the lumbar plexus and the pudendal nerve. The objective of this work is the description of the lumbar plexus, intercostal nerves and pudendal nerve, its different patterns and structure variations, as well as its implications during pain management in patients. A descriptive, observational, and morphometric study of patterns and structure variations of the lumbar plexus, intercostal nerves and pudendal nerve was conducted in 50 formalin-fixed cadaveric dissections of the Third Chair of Anatomy at the School of Medicine in the Universidad de Buenos Aires from August 2017 to December/2019. The standard description of the lumbar plexus was found in 35 cases; accessory femoral nerve was not present in any of the cases; absence of the iliohipogastric nerve was also not found in any case, while the accessory obturating nerve was found in 2 cases; genitofemoral nerve dividing within the muscle mass of psoas in 6 cases; lateral femoral cutaneous nerve emerging only from the second lumbar root in 6 cases and finally, presence of a branch of the obturating nerve was found joining the lumbosacral trunk in one case. The pudendal and intercostal nerve patterns presented a typical pathway in all cases. Adequate knowledge and description of the lumbar plexus, intercostal nerves and pudendal nerve is essential for an adequate approach of the abdominal-pelvic cavity in nerve blocks.

Identification and economic burden of main adverse events of nerve injuries caused by regional anesthesia: a systematic review

Abstract Background and objectives: Anesthesiologists and hospitals are increasingly confronted with costs associated with the complications of Peripheral Nerve Blocks (PNB) procedures. The objective of our study was to identify the incidence of the main adverse events associated with regional anesthesia, particularly during anesthetic PNB, and to evaluate the associated healthcare and social costs. Methods: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic search on EMBASE and PubMed with the following search strategy: (‟regional anesthesia" OR ‟nerve block") AND (‟complications" OR ‟nerve lesion" OR ‟nerve damage" OR ‟nerve injury"). Studies on patients undergoing a regional anesthesia procedure other than spinal or epidural were included. Targeted data of the selected studies were extracted and further analyzed. Results: Literature search revealed 487 articles, 21 of which met the criteria to be included in our analysis. Ten of them were included in the qualitative and 11 articles in the quantitative synthesis. The analysis of costs included data from four studies and 2,034 claims over 51,242 cases. The median claim consisted in 39,524 dollars in the United States and 22,750 pounds in the United Kingdom. The analysis of incidence included data from seven studies involving 424,169 patients with an overall estimated incidence of 137/10,000. Conclusion: Despite limitations, we proposed a simple model of cost calculation. We found that, despite the relatively low incidence of adverse events following PNB, their associated costs were relevant and should be carefully considered by healthcare managers and decision makers.

Analgesic effect of continuous adductor canal block versus continuous femoral nerve block for knee arthroscopic surgery: a randomized trial

Abstract Background and objectives Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures. The ability to perform ACLR on an outpatient basis is largely dependent on an effective analgesic regimen. The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic effect between continuous adductor canal block (cACB) and femoral nerve block (cFNB) during arthroscopy guided ACLR. Method In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 60 ASA I/II patients for arthroscopic ACLR were recruited. Patients in Group I received cACB and those in Group II cFNB. A bolus dose of 20 cc 0.5% levobupivacaine followed by 0.125% 5 mL.h-1 was started for 24 hours. Rescue analgesia in the form of paracetamol 1 g intravenous (IV) was given. Parameters assessed were time of first rescue analgesia, total analgesic requirement in 24 hours, and painless range of motion of the knee (15 degrees of flexion to further painless flexion). Results The time-to-first postoperative analgesic request (hours) was earlier in Group II (14.40 ± 4.32) than Group I (16.90 ± 3.37) and this difference was statistically significant (p< 0.05). The cumulative 24-h analgesic consumption (paracetamol in g) was 0.70 ± 0.47 in Group I and 1.70 ± 0.65 in Group II (p< 0.001). The painless range of motion (degree) was 55.67 ± 10.40 in Group I and 40.00 ± 11.37 in Group II (p< 0.001). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that continuous adductor canal block provides superior analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACLR when compared to continuous femoral nerve block.

Comparison of two volumes for sciatic perineural injection using 1% methylene blue in rabbit cadavers / [Comparação de dois volumes para injeção perineural no nervo isquiático utilizando azul de metileno 1% em cadáveres de coelhos]

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a blind technique for sciatic and femoral nerve block in rabbit cadavers by evaluating the spread of 1% methylene blue at two different volumes. Nine recently euthanized rabbits weighing 2.5(0.3kg were used. The sciatic (SN) and femoral (FN) nerves of each limb were randomly assigned for injection with 1% methylene blue at 0.2mL/kg (G0.2) or 0.3mL/kg (G0.3). Nerves were dissected and measured for depth and extension of staining (cm). Mean comparisons were performed using paired t test. The relation between volume and nerve staining ( 2cm was assessed using chi-square test. The mean depth of SN was 1.9±0.2 and 1.6±0.3cm and staining 1.9±1.4 and 2.0±1.2cm, respectively in G0.2 and G0.3. No relation was found between depth and dye spread and there was no association between nerve staining ( 2.0cm and volume of solution. The FN failed to be stained in all subjects. In conclusion, SN injection can be successfully performed without guidance in rabbits. The lower volume (0.2mL/kg) is recommended to avoid systemic toxicity.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de uma técnica para bloqueio às cegas dos nervos isquiático e femoral em cadáveres de coelhos, por meio da avaliação da dispersão de azul de metileno 1% em dois volumes distintos. Nove coelhos recém-eutanasiados, com peso 2,5(0,3kg, foram utilizados. Os nervos isquiático (NI) e femoral (NF) de cada membro foram aleatoriamente designados para injeção com azul de metileno 1% a 0,2mL/kg (G0,2) ou 0,3mL/kg (G0,3). Em seguida, foram dissecados e mensurados em relação à sua profundidade e extensão corada (cm). As médias foram comparadas por meio de teste t pareado. A relação entre volume e extensão corada ( 2cm foi avaliada utilizando-se teste de qui-quadrado. A profundidade média do NI foi 1,9±0,2 e 1,6±0,3cm, e a extensão corada 1,9±1,4 e 2,0±1,2cm, respectivamente, no G0,2 e no G0,3. Não houve relação entre a profundidade e a extensão corada ou entre a extensão corada ( 2,0cm e o volume de solução. Não foi observada coloração do NF em nenhum cadáver. Concluiu-se que a injeção do NI pode ser realizada com sucesso sem auxílio de tecnologias em coelhos. O menor volume (0,2mL/kg) é recomendado para evitar toxicidade sistêmica.(AU)

Internal Neurolysis (Nerve Combing) for Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression

Objective The aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the initial and the long-term clinical outcome of internal neurolysis (IN) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without neurovascular compression (NVC). Methods A total of 170 patients diagnosed with TN were treated by posterior fossa exploration, during the period between April 2012 and October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (50 patients)was treated by IN and Group B (120 patients) received microvascular decompression (MVD). Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Pain intensity was assessed by the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score and BNI facial numbness score. Pain recurrence was statistically evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Pain was completely relieved in 44 patients (88%) who underwent IN (group A); 3 (6%) experienced occasional pain but did not require medication (BNI 2). In group B, 113 (94%) experienced immediate pain relief after MVD. The median duration of follow-ups was 4 years (6 months to 7.5 years). In Group A, there was a meantime recurrence of 27 months in 3 patients (6%). The recurrence in Group B was of 5.8% during the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the two groups. All patients with IN experienced some degree of numbness, 88% of the cases resolved in 6 months, on average. Conclusion Internal neurolysis is an effective, safe and durable treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia when NVC is absent.

Comparación del bloqueo periprostático con lidocaina y supositorio de diclofenac y placebo en la biopsia prostática / Comparison of periprostatic block with lidocaine and diclofenac suppository and placebo in prostate biopsy

El bloqueo del nervio peri prostático con lidocaína, proporciona un buen alivio del dolor en la realización de la biopsia prostática guiada por ultrasonido, pero el dolor post-procedimiento, puede llegar a ser significativo, la adición del supositorio de diclofenac, podría proporcionar alivio adicional. Se asignaron al azar pacientes en 2 grupos el grupo 1 bloqueo con lidocaína del plexo peri prostático + supositorio de diclofenac sódico y el grupo 2 bloqueo con lidocaína del plexo peri prostático + supositorio de placebo, realizando biopsia doble sextante, el dolor a varios intervalos después del procedimiento se registró en una escala visual análoga (EVA) de 0 a 10. Los 2 grupos fueron similares en cuanto a edad, volumen de próstata, antígeno prostático específico, diagnóstico histopatológico. Los pacientes que recibieron diclofenac tuvieron puntajes de dolor significativamente más bajos que los que recibieron placebo (2 frente a 3,35) p 0,02. La administración rectal de diclofenac antes de la realización de la biopsia de próstata es un procedimiento simple que alivia significativamente el dolor experimentado sin aumento en la morbilidad(AU)

The peri-prostatic nerve block with lidocaine, provides good pain relief in performing ultrasoundguided prostate biopsy, but the postprocedure pain can be significant, the addition of diclofenac suppository, could provide additional relief. Patients were randomly assigned in 2 groups to group 1 blockade with lidocaine of the prostatic peri plexus + suppository of diclofenac sodium and group 2 blockade with lidocaine of the prostatic peri plexus + placebo suppository, performing double sextant biopsy, pain at several intervals after the procedure was recorded on a visual analog scale (EVA) from 0 to 10. Thee 2 groups were similar in terms of age, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, histopathological diagnosis. Patients who received diclofenac had pain scores significantly lower than those who received placebo (2 vs. 3.35) p 0.02. Rectal administration of diclofenac before performing a prostate biopsy is a simple procedure that relieves significantly pain experienced without increased morbidity(AU)

Reporte de caso: Bloqueo del erector de la espina en resección transuretral de próstata / Case report: Erector spine block for transuretral prostatic resection

The Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block, described in 2016 by Dr. Forero et al, was used to treat neuropathic pain and postoperative acute pain. It was described as an interfascial block in the erector spinae plane, where it manages to block both ventral and dorsal branches of the spinal nerve. Due to scarce literature on its applicability in urological endoscopic surgeries, we formulate the hypothesis that it would be an effective opioid-sparing analgesic alternative in patients undergoing TULIP. Therefore, bilateral ESP was performed in a 69-year-old patient, who underwent transurethral prostatectomy guided by laser induced (TULIP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patient did not require rescue medication, reported a maximum VAS of 4/10. At 72 hours postoperatively, the patient kept a VAS of 0/10, without nausea and vomiting, with a Likert satisfaction level of 1

El bloqueo del plano erector de la espina (ESP) fue descrito en 2016 por el Dr. Forero et al., con el afán de tratar el dolor neuropático y el dolor agudo posoperatorio. Consiste en un bloqueo interfascial en el plano del erector de la espina, en el cual se logra el bloqueo tanto de ramas ventrales como dorsales de los nervios espinales. Debido a la falta de literatura sobre su indicación en cirugías endoscópicas urológicas se formula la hipótesis de que podría considerarse como una alternativa analgésica efectiva ahorradora de opioides en pacientes sometidos a RTU-P. Por lo anterior se realizó el bloqueo ESP de manera bilateral a un paciente de 69 años, el cual fue sometido a prostatectomía transuretral guiado por láser inducido (TULIP) por hiperplasia prostática benigna. El paciente no requirió opioides de rescate, con EVA 0/10 en posoperatorio, valor que se mantuvo de la misma manera por 72 h, tanto en reposo como en movimiento, sin la presencia de náuseas o vómitos y una escala de satisfacción de Likert de 1.

Bloqueo plano erector de la espina en toracotomía pediátrica / Pediatric thoracotomy in erector spinae plane block

Erector spinae plane block (ESP) is a regional anesthesia technique consisting of blocking the interfascial plane, where local anesthetic (LA) is injected at the site where the dorsal branch of the spinal nerve emerges. There are various publications on the application of the block (EPS) in the adult population, however there are few reports of the use of this block in pediatric surgery. We present the first case report of an infant under 9 months of age with the presence of a tumor in the anterior mediastinum, who underwent a resection through the 6th intercostal space, previous blockage of the erector spinae under ultrasound vision. The patient did not present adverse effects and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.

El bloqueo del plano erector de la espina (ESP) es una técnica de anestesia regional consistente en bloquear el plano interfascial, donde se inyecta anestésico local (LA) en el sitio donde emerge la rama dorsal del nervio espinal. Existen diversas publicaciones sobre la aplicación del bloqueo (EPS) en población adulta, sin embargo, hay pocos reportes del uso de este bloqueo en cirugía pediátrica. Presentamos el primer reporte de caso de una lactante menor de 9 meses de edad con presencia de tumor en mediastino anterior, al cual se le hizo una resección a través del 6° espacio intercostal, previo bloqueo del erector de la espina bajo visión ecográfica. La paciente no presentó efectos adversos y fue dada de alta al cuarto día posoperatorio.

Case report: Patient controlled analgesia after pediatric scoliosis surgery through erector spinal plane catheter / Analgesia controlada por paciente a través de catéter en plano erector espinal poscirugía escoliosis pediátrica

INTRODUCTION: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a recently described technique (2016); its use as continuous analgesia with an intrafascial catheter in anterior scoliosis surgery for pediatric patients in intensive care unit (ICU) has not been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of an intrafascial catheter in the erector spinae for continuous infusion and patient-controlled analgesia as a postoperative analgesic technique in anterior scoliosis surgery. CLINICAL CASE: 15-year-old patient weighing 34 kg, diagnosed with scoliosis with 110° Cobb angle in the context of neurofibromatosis, subjected to anterior corrective surgery with continuous analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia through an intrafascial catheter in the erector spinae. CONCLUSIONS: The use of continuous intrafascial analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia in the erector spinae provided adequate analgesic control in the postoperative period of corrective anterior scoliosis surgery in a pediatric patient in ICU.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El bloqueo del plano del erector de la espina (ESPB) es una técnica de reciente descripción (2016). Su uso como analgesia continua con catéter intrafascial en cirugía de escoliosis por vía anterior para pacientes pediátricos en unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) no ha sido reportado en la literatura. OBJETIVO: Describir el uso del catéter intrafascial del erector de la espina como técnica analgésica posoperatoria en cirugía de escoliosis vía anterior con analgesia en infusión continua y controlada por el paciente. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 15 años, peso 34 kg, con diagnóstico de escoliosis con ángulo de Cobb 110° en el contexto de neurofibromatosis, sometido a cirugía correctiva vía anterior con analgesia continua y controlada por el paciente mediante catéter intrafascial en erector de la espina en UCI. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de analgesia intrafascial continua y controlada por el paciente por catéter en el erector de la espina resulta en un adecuado control analgésico posoperatorio de cirugía correctiva de escoliosis via anterior en un paciente pediátrico en UCI.

Bloqueo de nervios periféricos guiados por ecografía en pacientes con hemofilia / Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in hemophilia with patients

INTRODUCTION: Hemophilia is a coagulation disorder; it is a recessive disease linked to the X chromosome. In patients with hemophilia (PWH), regional anesthetic blocks have been considered a contraindication. Safety has been increased by performing them guided by Ultrasound. The objective of our work is to show our experience in PWH and peripheral nerve blocks. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 41 PWH were operated under regional analgesia with Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks associated with general anesthesia in the period 2006-2019. All patients were Hemophilia A. Three patients had inhibitors. The mean age was 35 years. 40 lower limb blocks and 2 upper limb blocks were performed. The Sonosite® equipment model Micromaxx was used. RESULTS: All patients presented adequate peripheral nerve block for an average time of 12.5 hours (8-24). There were no complications. CONCLUSIÓN: The present study shows that Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks in PCH is a safe procedure, which reduces the requirements of opioids and the side effects of them, improving the postoperative period and the recovery of patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hemofilia es un trastorno de la coagulación, es una enfermedad recesiva ligada al cromosoma X. En pacientes con hemofilia (PCH) los bloqueos regionales anestésicos se han considerado una contraindicación. Se ha aumentado la seguridad realizándolos guiados por Ecografía. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es mostrar nuestra experiencia en PCH y bloqueos de nervios periféricos. MATERRIAL Y MÉTODO: 41 PCH fueron operados bajo analgesia regional con Bloqueos de Nervios Periféricos Guiados por Ecografía asociado a la anestesia general en el período 2006-2019. Todos los pacientes eran hemofilia A. Tres pacientes presentaban inhibidores. La edad media fue de 35 años. Se realizaron 40 bloqueos de miembros inferiores y 2 bloqueos miembros superiores. Se utilizó el equipo Sonosite® modelo Micromaxx. RESULTADOS: Todos los pacientes presentaron adecuado bloqueo de nervio periférico durante un tiempo promedio de 12,5 h (8-24). No se presentaron complicaciones. CONCLUSIÓN: El presente estudio muestra que los Bloqueos de Nervios Periféricos Guiados por Ecografía en PCH es un procedimiento seguro, que reduce los requisitos de los opioides y los efectos secundarios de ellos, mejorando el posoperatorio y la recuperación de los pacientes.

Bloqueo del plano de la fascia clavipectoral guiada por ultrasonido / Ultrasound-guided clavipectoral fascia plane block

The case of a patient with clavicular middle third fractures is presented. The aim is explaining the ultrasound guided clavipectoral fascia plane block (CPB). This constitutes a novel technique and an alternative to traditional regional anesthesia of the brachial plexus. The purpose is to provide anesthesia, analgesia, and control over postoperative pain about the pathology mentioned. The technique was first described by L. Valdés in 2017.

Se presenta el caso de una paciente con fractura de tercio medio clavicular con el objetivo de explicar el bloqueo del plano de la fascia clavipectoral guiado por ultrasonido (CPB). Ésta constituye una técnica novedosa y una alternativa a los procedimientos tradicionales de anestesia regional del plexo braquial, con el propósito de brindar anestesia, analgesia y control del dolor posoperatorio sobre dicha patología. Esta técnica fue descrita por primera vez en el año 2017 por L. Valdés.

Comparison between subarachnoid morphine and femoral nerve block for analgesia after knee ligament reconstruction: a randomized clinical trial / Comparação entre morfina subaracnoidea e bloqueio do nervo femoral para analgesia após reconstrução ligamentar de joelho: estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Background and objectives There are no consensus of the ideal technique to provide analgesia in knee ligament reconstructions. The aim of this study was to compare the intensity of postoperative pain in these patients under different modalities of analgesia. Method Randomized and controlled clinical trial of patients undergoing reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) with flexor tendons between December 2013 and 2014. All patients underwent spinal anesthesia and rescue analgesia with tramadol. The groups C, M, R0,375 and R0,25 was compared with only the previously described technique, subarachnoid morphine (100░µg), or Femoral Nerve Block (BNF) with 25░mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and 0.25%, respectively. Pain intensity at 6, 12 and 24░hours, age, sex, rescue analgesia, adverse reactions and satisfaction were evaluated. Results Among the 83 eligible patients, a predominance of males (85.7%) was observed, between 28 and 31 years. The group C requested more opioid (27.3%) than the other groups, without significance when compared. There were no significant differences in pain intensity at 6, 12 and 24░hours. There was a higher incidence of urinary retention in the M group (23.8%) than in the R0,375 (0%) and prolonged quadriceps motor block in the R0,375 group (30%) than in the M and C groups (0%), with statistical significance (p░<░0.05). Conclusion There was no difference in the intensity of postoperative pain in patients submitted to ACL reconstruction with flexor tendons under the analgesic modalities evaluated, despite the predominance of urinary retention in the M group and motor block in the R0,375 group.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Não há consenso sobre qual é a técnica ideal para prover analgesia em reconstruções ligamentares de joelho. Objetivou‐se comparar a intensidade da dor pós‐operatória desses pacientes sob diferentes modalidades de analgesia. Método Ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado de pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior com tendões flexores entre dezembro de 2013 e 2014. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a raquianestesia e analgesia de resgate com tramadol. Compararam‐se os grupos C, M, R0,375 e R0,25; aos quais se ofertou apenas a técnica anteriormente descrita, morfina subaracnóidea (100 µg) ou bloqueio de nervo femoral com 25 mL de ropivacaína 0,375% e 0,25%, respectivamente. Avaliou‐se intensidade da dor em 6, 12 e 24 horas, idade, sexo, analgesia de resgate, reações adversas e satisfação. Resultados Entre os 83 pacientes elegíveis, observou‐se predomínio do sexo masculino (85,7%) entre 28 e 31 anos. O Grupo C solicitou mais opioide (27,3%) do que os demais grupos, sem significância quando comparados. Não houve diferenças significativas na intensidade da dor em 6, 12 e 24 horas. Houve maior incidência de retenção urinária no Grupo M (23,8%) do que no R0,375 (0%) e de bloqueio motor prolongado do quadríceps no Grupo R0,375 (30%) do que nos Grupos M e C (0%), com significância estatística (p< 0,05). Conclusão Não houve diferença na intensidade da dor pós‐operatória nos pacientes submetidos à reconstrução de ligamento cruzado anterior com tendões flexores sob as modalidades analgésicas avaliadas, apesar do predomínio de retenção urinária no Grupo M e bloqueio motor no Grupo R0,375.

Anatomical basis for the selective block of the nerve to quadratus femoris by way of percutaneous techniques / Bases anatómicas para el bloque selectivo del nervio del músculo cuadrado femoral a través de técnicas percutáneas

SUMMARY: Hip joint chronic pain can severely compromise patients' life quality. Peripheral nerve blocks play an important role as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The aim of this work is to study the anatomy of the nerve to quadratus femoris (NQF) in view of the possibility of its percutaneous selective block. Forty-three gluteal cadaveric regions fixed in formaldehyde solution were dissected. The quadratus femoris, the obturator internus and superior and inferior gemellus were freed from their lateral insertion, exposing thus the posterior aspect of the hip joint. The NQF was identified, and the horizontal distance to the posterior edge of the greater trochanter at its upper, middle and lower thirds was registered. The number of the articular branches of the NQF was identified. Likewise, the horizontal distance to the posterior edge of the greater trochanter and the longitudinal distance to the line through the distal end of the posterior edge of the greater trochanter were measured. The distance between the NQF and the greater trochanter posterior edge at upper, middle and lower thirds was 46 mm, 41 mm and 35 mm, respectively. In most cases (85 %) the NQF presented one or two articular branches. The longitudinal distances between the line through the distal end of the posterior edge of the greater trochanter and the origin of the first, second and third articular branches of the NQF were 14.7 mm (-19.4 - 40), 16.4 mm (-9.3-42) and 27 mm (0-46), respectively. The distances to the posterior edge of the greater trochanter were 43.1 mm (16.3-66), 37.7 mm (6.5-53) and 39.8 mm (26-52), for the first, second and third articular branches, respectively. In conclusion, the articular branches of the nerve to quadratus femoris have a constant and predictable distribution. Our findings allow for generating a coordinate system for the selective block of the NQF by way of percutaneous techniques.

RESUMEN: El dolor crónico de la articulación coxal puede comprometer severamente la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Los bloqueos nerviosos periféricos juegan un papel importante como procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la anatomía del nervio del músculo cuadrado femoral (NCF) en vista de la posibilidad de su bloqueo selectivo percutáneo. Se utilizaron 22 cadáveres fijados en solución de formaldehído. Fueron disecadas en total 43 regiones glúteas. Los músculos cuadrado femoral, obturador interno y los gemelos superior e inferior fueron liberados de su inserción lateral, exponiendo así la cara posterior de la articulación coxal. Se identificó el NCF y se registró la distancia horizontal al margen posterior del trocánter mayor en sus tercios superior, medio e inferior. Se identificó el número de ramas articulares del NQF. Asimismo, se midió la distancia horizontal al margen posterior del trocánter mayor y la distancia longitudinal a la línea que pasa por el extremo distal del margen posterior del trocánter mayor. La distancia entre el NCF y el margen posterior del trocánter mayor en los tercios superior, medio e inferior fue de 46 mm, 41 mm y 35 mm, respectivamente. En la mayoría de los casos (85 %) el NCF presentó una o dos ramas articulares. Las distancias longitudinales entre la línea que pasa por el extremo distal del margen posterior del trocánter mayor y el origen de la primera, segunda y tercera ramas articulares del NQF fueron 14,7 mm (-19,4 - 40), 16,4 mm (-9,3-42) y 27 mm (0-46), respectivamente. Las distancias al margen posterior del trocánter mayor fueron 43,1 mm (16,3-66), 37,7 mm (6,5-53) y 39,8 mm (26-52), para la primera, segunda y tercera ramas articulares, respectivamente. En conclusión, las ramas articulares del nervio al cuadrado femoral tienen una distribución constante y predecible. Nuestros hallazgos permiten generar un sistema de coordenadas para el bloqueo selectivo del NCF por medio de técnicas percutáneas.

Articular and cutaneous nerve block at elbow: two cases report / Bloqueio do nervo articular e cutâneo no cotovelo: relato de dois casos

Abstract Background and objectives: In patients with elbow fractures, when there is suspected injury to underlying nerves, it is imperative for surgeons to elicit the function in the immediate postoperative period. Brachial plexus blocks like interscalene, supraclavicular and infraclavicular approaches can be a hurdle in such situations. The block planned should allow assessment of integrity of the nerves immediately in the postoperative period. Case report: We describe two cases in which we administered a block not yet described in literature. We blocked the cutaneous and articular branches innervating the elbow under ultrasound guidance. General anesthesia was administered in both cases. The block provided stable intraoperative hemodynamics, good postoperative analgesia and also allowed surgeons to test the viability of the nerve. Conclusion: In situations where nerves are injured during elbow fractures, selective articular cutaneous block at elbow can be used as it provides good perioperative analgesia, besides allowing evaluation of motor and sensory components in the postoperative period.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Quando há suspeita de lesão nos nervos subjacentes em pacientes com fratura de cotovelo, é imperativo que o cirurgião estimule a função dos nervos no pós-operatório imediato. Bloqueios do plexo braquial com as técnicas interescalênica, supraclavicular e infraclavicular pode ser um obstáculo nessas situações. O bloqueio deve ser planejado de modo a permitir a avaliação da integridade dos nervos no pós-operatório imediato. Relato de caso: Descrevemos dois casos em que realizamos uma técnica de bloqueio ainda não descrito na literatura. Realizamos o bloqueio dos ramos cutâneo e articular de nervos que inervam o cotovelo com auxílio de ultrassonografia. Anestesia geral foi realizada nos dois casos. O bloqueio proporcionou estabilidade hemodinâmica intraoperatória, boa analgesia pós-operatória e também permitiu que os cirurgiões testassem a viabilidade do nervo. Conclusão: Em fraturas do cotovelo associadas à lesão de nervos, o bloqueio seletivo articular cutâneo do cotovelo pode ser utilizado, pois proporciona boa analgesia perioperatória, além de permitir a avaliação dos componentes motores e sensoriais no pós-operatório.

The supine coronal midaxillary approach to anterior quadratus lumborum block: case report / Abordagem supina axilar média coronal para realização de bloqueio do quadrado lombar anterior: relato de casos

Abstract Background: There are various approaches to perform an ultrasound guided Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB). The lateral, posterior, anterior or trans muscular and subcostal paramedian are the various approaches described for performing a QLB. Each of these blocks are aimed to achieve a maximum spread with high volume and low concentration of local anesthetics. Case report: In this novel approach a curvilinear ultrasound probe was used with the patient lying in supine position. The probe was placed longitudinally in the mid axillary line to visualize Quadratus Lumborum Muscle (QLM) in the coronal plane. The needle was then introduced from cranial to caudal direction and catheters were inserted in the Anterior Thoracolumbar Fascia (ATLF) up to a distance of 4-5 cm in 24 patients for an anterior approach to acetabulum fractures. The needle tip and the Local Anesthetic (LA) spread was visible in all patients. All patients except 4 had excellent perioperative pain relief considering stable hemodynamics and VAS 2-3/10 for the first 48 hours. All patients received 1 g intravenous paracetamol each 8 hours. VAS in postoperative period was 2-3/10, in 20/24 patients. In the postoperative period, 4 patients complained of persistent pain, requiring intravenous fentanyl boluses and multimodal analgesia. Mean VAS score was 2.87 from 0-12 hours, 3.14 from 12-24 hours and 3.35 from 24-48 hours. There were no block-related complications in any patient. Conclusion: The supine midaxillary coronal approach to anterior QLB is an effective and feasible approach to QLB which can be performed in supine position.

Resumo Justificativa: Existem várias abordagens para a realização do Bloqueio do Quadrado Lombar (BQL) guiado por ultrassom. Diversas abordagens são descritas para a realização do BQL: paramediana lateral, posterior, anterior ou transmuscular e subcostal, todas com o objetivo de obter a máxima dispersão da solução injetada, usando-se alto volume e baixa concentração de anestésico local. Relato de caso: Nesta nova abordagem, a sonda de ultrassom curvilínea foi usada com o paciente em decúbito dorsal. A sonda foi posicionada longitudinalmente na linha axilar média para visualizar o Músculo Quadrado Lombar (MQL) no plano coronal. A agulha foi introduzida na direção cranial-caudal, e foram inseridos cateteres na Fáscia Toracolombar Anterior (FTLA) até uma distância de 4-5 cm, em 24 pacientes a serem submetidos à correção de fratura do acetábulo pela via anterior. O bisel da agulha e a dispersão do Anestésico Local (AL) eram visíveis em todos os pacientes. Os 24 pacientes, com exceção de quatro, apresentaram excelente analgesia perioperatória, baseando-se na estabilidade hemodinâmica e nos escores EVA de 2-3/10 nas primeiras 48 horas. Todos os pacientes receberam 1 g de paracetamol intravenoso a cada 8 horas. O escore EVA no período pós-operatório foi de 2-3/10, em 20 dos 24 pacientes. No período pós-operatório, quatro pacientes apresentaram queixa de dor persistente, necessitando de bolus de fentanil por via intravenosa e analgesia multimodal. O escore médio da EVA no pós-operatório foi 2,87 entre 0-12 horas; 3,14 entre 12-24 horas e 3,35 entre 24-48 horas pós-operatórias. Não houve complicações relacionadas ao bloqueio em nenhum paciente. Conclusão: A abordagem supina axilar média coronal para BQL anterior é eficaz e viável para BQL, e pode ser realizada com os pacientes em decúbito dorsal.

SBA 2020: Regional anesthesia safety recommendations update / SBA 2020: Atualização das recomendações para segurança em anestesia regional

Abstract The purpose of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA)'s Regional Anesthesia Safety Recommendations Update is to provide new guidelines based on the current relevant clinical aspects related to safety in regional anesthesia and analgesia. The goal of the present article is to provide a broad overview of the current knowledge regarding pre-procedure asepsis and antisepsis, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of infectious complications resulting from anesthetic techniques. It also aims to shed light on the use of reprocessed materials in regional anesthesia practice to establish the effects of aseptic handling of vials and ampoules, and to show cost-effectiveness in the preparation of solutions to be administered continuously in regional blockades. Electronic databases were searched between January 2011 (final date of the literature search for the past SBA recommendations for safety in regional anesthesia) and September 2019. A total of 712 publications were found, 201 of which were included for further analysis, and 82 new publications were added into the review. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the quality of each study and to classify the strength of evidence. The present review was prepared by members of the SBA Technical Standards Committee.

Resumo O propósito desta atualização das Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia (SBA) para Segurança em Anestesia Regional foi apresentar novas diretrizes com base na relevância e atualidade clínica nos aspectos de segurança relacionados a analgesia e anestesia regional. Este artigo visa prover uma visão ampla sobre o conhecimento atual no tocante a assepsia e antissepsia pré-procedimento, fatores de risco, diagnóstico e tratamento das complicações infecciosas decorrentes das técnicas anestésicas. Também visa esclarecer sobre o uso de materiais reprocessados na prática da anestesia regional, estabelecer as implicações no manejo asséptico de frascos e ampolas e elucidar sobre a relação custo-efetividade no preparo de soluções a serem administradas continuamente em bloqueios regionais. As bases de dados eletrônicas foram pesquisadas entre Janeiro de 2011 (final da pesquisa de literatura das diretrizes anteriores da SBA sobre segurança em anestesia regional) e Setembro de 2019. Um total de 712 artigos foram encontrados, dos quais 201 foram incluídos para análise posterior e 82 novos estudos foram acrescentados nesta revisão. O sistema de Avaliação, Desenvolvimento e Avaliação da Classificação das Recomendações (GRADE) foi utilizado para avaliar a qualidade do estudo individual e classificar a força da evidência. Esta revisão foi elaborada por membros da Comissão de Normas Técnicas da SBA.

Erector spinae plane block in pediatric orthopedic surgery: two case reports / Bloqueio do plano eretor da espinha em cirurgia ortopédica pediátrica: dois relatos de caso

Abstract The erector spinae plane block is a safe and effective regional anesthesia technique, which has earned new indications perioperatively since its description. We introduce two pediatric anesthesia cases in which we performed the erector spinae plane block during intermediate/major orthopedic surgeries. The first patient is a 2 year-old girl submitted to surgical treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. The second patient is a 14 year-old boy submitted to surgical treatment of bilateral clubfoot. This last patient is potentially the first published case in which the erector spinae plane block was performed for ankle and foot surgery. Both cases experienced excellent analgesia, avoiding opiate requirement completely.

Resumo O bloqueio do plano eretor da espinha guiado por ultrassonografia é uma técnica segura e eficaz de anestesia regional, que apresenta novas indicações no perioperatório. Apresentamos dois casos de bloqueio do plano eretor da espinha realizados para analgesia de cirurgia ortopédica pediátrica de médio/grande porte. O primeiro: menina de 2 anos submetida a tratamento cirúrgico de displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril. O segundo: menino de 14 anos submetido a correção de pé valgo bilateral. Este último, no melhor do nosso conhecimento, é o primeiro caso de bloqueio do plano eretor da espinha em cirurgia de tornozelo/pé descrito na literatura. Os casos tiveram analgesia pós-operatória adequada, sem necessidade de opioides.