Peripheral Nerve Block Techniques Research Articles

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after orthognathic surgery: a scoping review

IntroductionPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common adverse events following orthognathic surgery. It’s a distressing feeling for patients and continues to be the cause of postoperative complications such as bleeding, delayed healing, and wound infection. This scoping review aims to identify effective PONV prophylaxis strategies during orthognathic surgery that have emerged in the past 15 years.MethodsWe searched Pubmed, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, and Embase from 2008 to May 2023. Studies meeting the following criteria were eligible for inclusion: (1) recruited patients undergo any orthognathic surgery; (2) evaluated any pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic method to prevent PONV. Studies meeting the following criteria were excluded: (1) case series, review papers, or retrospective studies; (2) did not report our prespecified outcomes.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included in this review. Pharmacological methods for PONV prevention include ondansetron and dexamethasone (3 studies), peripheral nerve block technique (4 studies), dexmedetomidine (1 study), pregabalin (2 studies), nefopam (2 studies), remifentanil (1 study), propofol (2 studies), and penehyclidine (1 study). Non-pharmacologic methods include capsicum plaster (1 study), throat packs (2 studies) and gastric aspiration (2 studies).ConclusionsBased on current evidence, we conclude that prophylactic antiemetics like dexamethasone, ondansetron, and penehyclidine are the first defense against PONV. Multimodal analgesia with nerve block techniques and non-opioid analgesics should be considered due to their notable opioid-sparing and PONV preventive effect. For the non-pharmacological methods, throat packs are not recommended for routine use because of their poor effect and serious complications. More prospective RCTs are required to confirm whether gastric aspiration can prevent PONV effectively for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

Anesthetic Methods for Hip Fracture.

To review the benefits, risks, and contraindications of traditional and new anesthesia approaches for hip fracture surgery and describe what is known about the impact of these approaches on postoperative outcomes. This review describes general and spinal anesthesia, peripheral nerve block techniques used for pain management, and novel, local anesthesia approaches which may provide significant benefit compared with traditional approaches by minimizing high-risk induction time and decreasing respiratory suppression and short- and long-term cognitive effects. Hip fracture surgery places a large physiologic stress on an already frail patient, and anesthesia choice plays an important role in managing risk of perioperative morbidity. New local anesthesia techniques may decrease morbidity and mortality, particularly in higher-risk patients.

A comparative study on sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper extremity surgery

Background: Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is widely used peripheral nerve block technique used for surgery of the upper extremity. Several drugs have been used with local anesthetic as adjuvants for rapid, dense, and prolonged analgesia. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to compare the degree of sedation and cardiorespiratory effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded comparative study was done on eighty patients who were randomly allocated equally into two groups and received clonidine and dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine 0.5%. Intraoperative degree of sedation and cardiorespiratory parameters were monitored in regular intervals and compared to find difference. Results: Heart rate was consistently lower with dexmedetomidine. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAPs) were comparable in both groups at all time points except at 45 min when diastolic and MAP were lower with dexmedetomidine and it was statistically significant. Sedation score in Group D was higher except at 5 min and difference was statistically significant. All patients in both groups were sedated and easily arousable. There was statistically significant difference in peroperative oxygen saturation between the groups although it was clinically not significant. Conclusion: There was more hemodynamic effect of dexmedetomidine than clonidine but these effects can be managed by medication easily. In addition to this, it was found that dexmedetomidine provides conscious sedation without any respiratory depression. Comparing the risk and benefit dexmedetomidine can be used with local anesthetic in supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper extremity surgery.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Cesarean Delivery Analgesia: A Narrative Review.

Effective postoperative analgesia using multimodal approach improves maternal and neonatal outcomes after cesarean delivery. The use of neuraxial approach (local anesthetic and opioids) and intravenous adjunctive drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, currently represents the standard regimen for post-cesarean delivery analgesia. Peripheral nerve blocks may be considered in patients who are unable to receive neuraxial techniques; these blocks may also be used as a rescue technique in selected patients. This review discusses the relevant anatomy, current evidence, and advantages and disadvantages of the various peripheral nerve block techniques. Further research is warranted to compare the analgesic efficacy of these techniques, especially newer blocks (e.g., quadratus lumborum blocks and erector spinae plane blocks). Moreover, future studies should determine the safety profile of these blocks (e.g., fascial plane blocks) in the obstetric population because of its increased susceptibility to local anesthetic toxicity.

Regional Analgesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Narrative Review Toward Enhancing Outcomes in Parturients.

With the current surge on peripheral nerve blocks in post-cesarean pain management and the historical lack of unequivocal evidence supporting its universal use, this review intended to re-examine the extended scope of literature on regional anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in low-transverse cesarean section. A literature search was conducted up to April 2023 using PubMed to identify articles relevant to our search words "cesarean section", "neuraxial morphine", "post-cesarean analgesia", as well as the name of each individual nerve block. The literature search was ultimately narrowed to systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2023. We define, describe, and discuss the evidence surrounding each individual regional anesthetic technique in the presence and absence of intrathecal morphine, which is used as the gold standard when appropriate. In the absence of neuraxial morphine, all regional anesthetic techniques have some level of analgesic benefit in the post-cesarean analgesia. Transversus Abdominis Plane blocks continue to have the most studies in their use. Newer fascia plane blocks including the anterior Quadratus Lumborum, and Erector Spinae Plane blocks provide significant analgesia. In addition, direct comparison among peripheral nerve blocks consistently favors the more proximal, centralized techniques. Conversely, in the presence of neuraxial morphine, no peripheral anesthetic technique has reliably and reproducibly demonstrated an added analgesic benefit regardless of the peripheral nerve block technique or location of local anesthetic injection in the post-cesarean population. Neuraxial morphine continues to be the gold standard for post-cesarean section analgesia, the benefit of additional single injection regional anesthetic is currently not evidence supported. In cases where neuraxial opioids have not or cannot be given, there is overwhelming evidence that regional anesthetic techniques improve post-cesarean section analgesia and decrease post-operative opioid consumption. Even though there is no consensus on the optimal peripheral nerve block, emerging evidence suggests more centralized abdominal fascia plane block trends towards better analgesia.

Impact of Peripheral Nerve Block Technique on Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Palsy in Shoulder Surgery.

Peripheral nerve blocks are an increasingly common method of providing postoperative analgesia for shoulder surgeries. However, the standard technique, the interscalene block (ISB), inevitably causes hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP), secondary to phrenic nerve palsy. This can cause morbidity in patients with preexisting respiratory compromise, prompting investigation into alternative "phrenic-sparing" nerve blocks. The aim of this review was to give an overview of these blocks and critically evaluate the current literature to determine if any are suitable replacements for ISB. The incidence of HDP and analgesic efficacy were considered. We queried four electronic databases and one register. Twenty-eight original articles were selected for review. The use of ultrasound guidance, lower volumes of local anaesthetic (LA), and injection 4 mm outside the brachial plexus fascia reduced HDP incidence for the ISB; however, no single modification did so sufficiently. While the anterior suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) showed comparable analgesic effects to the ISB, HDP prevalence was also high. The posterior SSNB produced consistently low HDP incidences but also inferior analgesia to ISB, except when combined with an infraclavicular brachial plexus block. The superior trunk block (STB) provided equivalent analgesia to the ISB while reducing HDP incidence, but not significantly. Lower LA volumes consistently led to lower HDP incidence across all blocks, likely due to a reduced ability to spread to the phrenic nerve. Further investigation into the minimum effective volumes of the extrafascial ISB, anterior SSNB, STB, and combined posterior SSNB with infraclavicular block is warranted to determine if any of these blocks can successfully balance HDP prevention with analgesic efficacy.

Ultrasound Guided Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block versus Three in One Block for Post Operative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeries

Abstract Background Patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty experience substantial and sustained postoperative pain. Inadequate analgesia may impede physical therapy and rehabilitative efforts and delay hospital dismissal. Peripheral nerve blockade of the lumbosacral plexus has emerged as an analgesic approach. In several studies, unilateral peripheral block provided quality of analgesia and functional outcomes similar to those of continuous epidural analgesia and superior to those of systemic analgesia, but with fewer side effects because of their opioid-sparing properties. Peripheral nerve block techniques may be the optimal analgesic method following total joint arthroplasty. Aim of the Work To compare postoperative analgesia between ultrasound-guided FICB and three in one nerve block. Study design a prospective randomized double-blinded study. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 80 randomly chosen patients from 21 to 65 years old in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, each group consisted of 40 patients group I and group II. After preoperative assessment and obtaining baseline vital data, all patients received spinal anesthesia. Patients in the group I received FICB (35-40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine). Patients in group II received three in one bock (35-40 mL of bupivacaine 0.25%). Results Both FICB and three in one block provided good quality of postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction as evidenced by low VAS and low postoperative rescue analgesic requirements. Both techniques provided equal sensory blockage of femoral nerve, obturator nerve, and genitofemoral nerve, but sensory blockage of LFC nerve was demonstrated in 92.5% patients in FICB and 62.5% of patients in three in one block, which was significantly lower (p-value <0.001 HS). VAS at 12 hours after surgery during movement of 3.68 ± 2.77 in the FICB group and 4.90 ±0.18 in the 3 in 1 group were statistically significant (P value = 0.007). Conclusion The FICB provides a high degree of sensory blockade of the LFC nerve and improves analgesia when continuous passive motion is initiated in the early postoperative period; also, it is easy to perform, reliable and does not threaten any vital organ. Thus, FICB can be recommended as an alternative to three in one block for the treatment of pain after hip and knee arthroplasty.

Infiltration Between Popliteal Artery and Capsule of the Knee Combined with Adductor Canal Block as Analgesic Adjuvant During and Postoperative in Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Background: Infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (iPACK) is one method that has been proposed in recent years as a potential alternative to peripheral nerve block as analgesia in total knee replacement (TKR) procedures. This study presents anesthetic management using spinal anesthesia combined with iPACK and adductor canal block (ACB) in patients with grade IV osteoarthritis who underwent TKR of the right knee.
 Case presentation: A woman, a housewife aged 50 years, was planning to undergo TKR surgery. The patient came with complaints of pain in the right knee 1 year before entering the hospital. The patient was given supplemental oxygen with a nasal cannula at 3 liters per minute. Prior to spinal anesthesia, the patient was given fentanyl 25 mcg iv, ketamine 10 mg iv, and midazolam 1.5 mg IV as premedication. The patient was positioned on the right side, and a 27G Quincke needle was inserted at the level of L3-L4 and given bupivacaine heavy 0.5% 7.5 mg, then lateralized for 15 minutes. After lateralization, the patient was positioned supine and used ultrasound to direct ACB action with a regimen of ropivacaine 0.25% + dexamethasone 5 mg a volume of 20 ml, then iPACK was performed with a regimen of Ropivacaine 0.375% + dexamethasone 5 mg a volume of 20 ml. After surgery, the patient is treated in the recovery room for 1 hour until bromage score is 0. The patient received the PCA Morphine analgesic demand only 1 mg/mL, 1 mg per dose, max 5 mg over 4 hours, lockout interval 6 minutes; Paracetamol 500 mg every 6 hours PO; Ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours PO.
 Conclusion: TKR patients who were given analgesia using the ACB peripheral nerve block technique combined with iPACK experienced a decrease in pain levels and lower use of postoperative morphine so that patient mobilization was faster and reduced the patient's length of stay.

Anesthetic Management for Forearm Fracture in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

Abstract Despite all the advances in anesthesia and surgical techniques, a significant incidence of morbidity and mortality in patients with severe aortic stenosis remains high. Anesthesia for severe aortic stenoses, characterized by a valve area of less than 1 cm2, may present increased risks associated with patient mortality. These patients require surgical treatment for aortic stenosis before any surgery. It is important to determine which type of anesthetic technique carries the least risk for these patients in the absence of any cardiac intervention. On the other hand, orthopedic operations are the most frequently reported non-cardiac surgical interventions among patients with severe aortic stenosis. This case study shows how performing the peripheral nerve block technique in a patient with an increased risk of morbidity had a beneficial impact, contributing to the reduction of this risk of morbidity and mortality associated with severe aortic stenosis.

Combining Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block With the Supra-Inguinal Fascia Iliaca Block (SIFICB) for Perioperative Analgesia and Functional Recovery in Patients Undergoing Hip Surgeries: A Retrospective Case Series.

The complex innervation of the hip joint may require a combined peripheral nerve block technique for perioperative effective analgesia and early recovery. The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) and suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment blocks (SIFICB) are interfascial plane blocks aiming to involve the femoral, obturator, accessory obturator, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. The data still lacks in providing the standard of care for patients undergoing hip surgery. In this case series, we studied the efficacy of ultrasound-guided combined PENG block and SIFICB for perioperative analgesia and functional recovery in patients posted for hip surgery. We studied 10 adults of either gender who underwent close reduction and internal fixation of hip fracture. Before receiving spinal anesthesia, all patients had PENG block and SIFICB with 10 ml and 20 ml of local anesthetics respectively. Patients were observed for ease of giving sitting position for spinal anesthesia (EOSP), visual analogue score (VAS) at rest and 15° leg elevation, duration of postoperative analgesia, the cumulative requirement of rescue analgesic at 48 hours and ability of patients to undergo weight-bearing trial postoperatively. The static and dynamic VAS before receiving spinal anesthesia and postoperatively, was reduced compared to pre-block. The optimal position for delivering spinal anesthesia was possible to achieve as the patients were able to sit comfortably after 10 minutes of receiving both blocks. Duration of postoperative analgesia also extended up to 18 hours with the cumulative requirement of injection tramadol restricted to two doses postoperatively. All were able to walk down a minimum of 55 steps after 48 hours of completion of surgery. Combining PENG block along with SIFICB is effective in the provision of perioperative analgesia with a considerable reduction in opioids and enhanced functional recovery due to motor sparing effect after surgical repair of the hip fracture.

Peripheral Nerve Block Practice in Portugal: A National Survey.

Regional anesthesia (RA) has several benefits and its use has increased with the advent of ultrasound-guided techniques. Opioid-sparing anesthesia and reduced use of general anesthesia are some of the mainstay advantages of RA. Although anesthetic practices differ deeply between countries, RA has assumed a crucial role in the daily practice of anesthesiologists, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This cross-sectional study provides an overview of peripheral nerve block (PNB) techniques performed in Portuguese hospitals. An online survey was reviewed by members of Clube de Anestesia Regional (CAR/ESRA Portugal) and then sent to a national mailing list of anesthesiologists. The survey focused on specific topics related to RA techniquessuch as the importance of training and experience, and the relevance of logistical limitations during the execution of RA. All data were collected anonymously and included in a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) database, for further analysis. A total of 335 valid answers were obtained. All participants considered RA as a key competence in their daily practice. Half of those inquired performed PNB techniques once to twice per week. The main limitations identified for performing RA in Portuguese hospitals were the absence of block rooms and insufficiently trained personnel for the appropriate and safe execution of these techniques. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of RA in the Portuguese setting and could serve as a baseline for further studies.

Regional Anesthesia for Orthobiologic Procedures.

Peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) can lessen procedural pain and eliminate the known detrimental effects of our local anesthetics on our orthobiologic target tissues. Local nerve damage and local anesthetic systemic toxicity are risks of PNBs that can be minimized with meticulous injection technique and an understanding of why these complications can occur. Herein, several PNB techniques are described in an effort to enhance procedural safety, efficacy, and comfort.

Postoperative Analgesia in Ultrasound-Guided 3-in-1 Block versus Fascia Illiaca Compartment Block in Adult Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgeries under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Three-in-one block and Fascia Illiaca Compartment Block (FICB) are two peripheral nerve block techniques that target the femoral nerve, obturator nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in a single injection. Both nerve blocks are used to provide anaesthesia and analgesia to the lower limb for various surgical procedures. The use of ultrasonography in peripheral nerve blocks helps to visualise the nerve, needle, and the distribution of the drug in real-time. It, thus, shortens the time of onset of sensory block, decreases performance time, and lowers the required drug doses, and finally increases chances of a favourable outcome from the nerve block. Aim: To compare the postoperative analgesic efficiency of ultrasound-guided 3-in-1 block with FICB in patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgeries under General Anaesthesia (GA). Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. One hundred and fifty patients were randomly allocated to two groups, 3-in-1 block group or FICB. Both groups received the respective blocks after surgery before extubation. Postoperatively, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated hourly for first 6 hours and 2 hourly thereafter until rescue analgesia was instituted. Time period from giving the block to giving rescue analgesia was noted as duration of analgesia. Injection diclofenac 1.5 mg/kg Intravenous (IV) was given when VAS value reached ≥4. Results: On analysis of 150 patients, divided into 3-in-1 block group (N=75) and FICB Group(N=75); mean age: 53.29±8.69 years; the VAS scores at 2 to 18 hours, 20 hours, and 22 hours after performing the blocks were significantly less in the 3-in-1 block group compared to FICB group. Also, the mean time (hours) for first rescue analgesia in FICB group (3.49±0.53) was earlier compared with 3-in-1 block group (7.35±0.51). Conclusion: A 3-in-1 block provides effective and prolonged postoperative analgesia in comparison to FICB.

Effectivity of Quadratus Lumborum Block in Pediatric Patient Undergoing Abdominal Surgery at Sanglah General Hospital: A Case Series

The Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) technique is a peripheral nerve block technique that aims to block pain in the abdominal area. This technique can be useful in surgeries with abdominal-pelvic incisions. In clinical studies, QLB have also been shown to provide less opioid consumption and longer postoperative analgesia than most of conventional procedures such as TAP (Transversus Abdominis Plane) blocks. Our case series study included five patients undergoing abdominal procedure with QLB approach. Mean age of patients included in this study was 2,8 years old; mean weight of 15,2 kg; mean height of 98,8 cm and mean BMI of 71 kg/m2. All patients were classified as ASA physical status I-II. Mean duration of operation was 94 minutes, and mean total opioid used was 6,6 mg. The pain severity score in FLACC was 0 in all patients at 0, 1st and 2nd hours post-operatively. However, the FLACC score at 4th hours were variable with a maximum score of 3. All patients had the FLACC score of 0 after the 4th hours. This study concludes that QLB is an effective analgesic option for patients undergoing abdominal procedure reflected by lower pain intensity using FLACC scoring system and reduced post-operative analgesic consumption. Keywords: Quadratus Lumborum Block, Post-Operative Analgesia, Opioid.

Injection of local anesthetic lateral to vertebral transverse process instead of conventional method for interscalene block in difficult cases with poor view

Ultrasound guided (USG) peripheral nerve block techniques have become increasingly popular in regional anesthesia in the recent few years. USG interscalene brachial plexus block provides effective analgesia after a variety of of surgeries and have been shown to reduce opioid consumption, decrease postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), improve patient satisfaction, and decrease recovery room length of stay.1 Regardless of all of these advantages, there have been some complications associated with this technique. The most important complication is the phrenic nerve block. Therefore, impaired respiratory function is considered a relative contraindication to interscalene plexus block. It has been shown to cause ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis almost always due to phrenic nerve block.2, 3
 Key words: Nerve Block/methods; Anesthetics, Local; Peripheral Nerves / diagnostic imaging; Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods 
 Citation: Heidarifar R, Amini SM, Lotfi S, Ahmadi A. Injection of local anesthetic lateral to vertebral transverse process instead of conventional method for interscalene block in difficult cases with poor view. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;26(1):126-127.
 DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i1.1783

A Narrative Review of Therapeutic Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Chronic Orofacial Pain Conditions.

To provide an analysis of the different therapeutic peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs), as well as their limitations and the related evidence base for their use in chronic orofacial pain (OFP) conditions, excluding migraine and other headache conditions. The evidence base for therapeutic PNBs for chronic OFP is poor and highlights the need for improved research in this area. The diagnostic criteria and interventional PNB definitions and techniques varied between studies. In addition, the placebo effect of a peripheral injection and its resultant bias was rarely considered. Most of the PNB interventions for temporomandibular disorders were for arthrogenous disorders (arthritis and disc entrapment with pain). However, there is emerging evidence for the use of onabotulinum toxin (BTX-A) in trigeminal neuralgia, with four prospective randomized controlled trials (pRCTs), and for postherpetic neuralgia. However, despite high-level evidence for BTX-A in posttraumatic neuropathic pain outside the trigeminal system, there is no evidence for its use for PTNP within the trigeminal system. There may be emerging evidence for treating trigeminal neuralgia with BTX-A injections; however, there is a need for future clinical studies of therapeutic PNBs in orofacial pain conditions.

PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCKS FOR HIP FRACTURES IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE.

SUMMARYHip fractures represent a major public health issue with increasing incidence as a population ages. The aim of this review is to describe peripheral nerve block techniques (the fascia iliaca compartment block and the pericapsular nerve group block) as pain management for hip fractures in emergency medicine, and to emphasize their benefits. Hip fractures are extremely painful injuries. The pain itself is unpleasant for patients and if left untreated it can lead to multiple complications during preoperative, operative and postoperative patient management. Pain management for elderly hip fracture patients is often challenging. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended due to their side effects, the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal function impairment and platelet aggregation inhibition. Paracetamol alone is often insufficient, and opioids have many potentially harmful side effects, such as delirium development. Peripheral nerve blocks for hip fractures are safe and effective, also in emergency medicine settings. The benefits for patients are greater pain relief, especially during movement, less opioid requirements and decreased incidence of delirium. Regional analgesia should be routinely used in hip fracture pain management.

Evaluation of trends in continuous peripheral nerve block utilization for total knee arthroplasty within and outside the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System

Acute pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be moderate to severe for over a week and may lead to chronic pain.[1][1] Continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) techniques have been...

Replacement of Fascia Iliaca Catheters with Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Blocks Within a Clinical Pathway Facilitates Early Ambulation After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

The optimal continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) technique for total hip arthroplasty (THA) that maximizes both analgesia and mobility is unknown. Continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks were implemented at our institution as a replacement for fascia iliaca (FI) catheters to improve our THA clinical pathway. We designed this study to test the hypothesis that this change will increase early postoperative ambulation for elective primary THA patients. We identified all consecutive primary unilateral THA cases six months before and six months after the clinical pathway change to ESP catheters. All other aspects of the THA clinical pathway and multimodal analgesic regimen including perineural infusion protocol did not change. The primary outcome was total ambulation distance (meters) on postoperative day 1. Other outcomes included total ambulation on postoperative day 2, combined two-day ambulation distance, pain scores, opioid consumption, inpatient length of stay, and minor and major adverse events. Eighty-eight patients comprised the final sample (43 FI and 45 ESP). Postoperative day 1 total ambulation distance was greater for the ESP group compared with the FI group (median [10th-90th percentiles] = 24.4 [0.0-54.9] vs 9.1 [0.7-45.7] meters, respectively, P = 0.036), and two-day ambulation distance was greater for the ESP group compared with the FI group (median [10th-90th percentiles] = 68.6 [9.0-128.0] vs 46.6 [3.7-104.2] meters, respectively, P = 0.038). There were no differences in pain scores, opioid use, or other outcomes. Replacing FI catheters with continuous ESP blocks within a clinical pathway results in increased early ambulation by elective primary THA patients.

Peripheral nerve blocks in the cervical region: from anatomy to ultrasound-guided techniques.

Cervical plexus nerve blocks have been employed in various head and neck operations. Both adequate anaesthesia and analgesia are attained in clinical practice. Nowadays, ultrasound imaging in regional anaesthesia is driven towards a certain objective that dictates high accuracy and safety during the implementation of peripheral nerve blocks. In the cervical region, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks have routinely been conducted only for the past few years and thus only a small number of publications pervade the current literature. Moreover, the sonoanatomy of the neck, the foundation stone of interventional techniques, is very challenging; multiple muscles and fascial layers compose a complex of compartments in a narrow anatomic region, in which local anaesthetics are injected. Therefore, this review intends to deliver new insights into ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block techniques in the neck. The sonoanatomy of the cervical region, in addition to the cervical plexus, cervical ganglia, superior and recurrent laryngeal nerve blocks are comprehensively discussed.