Motor Point as an Alternative to Femoral Nerve Stimulation for the Assessment of Quadriceps Muscle Inhibition in Healthy Women.

CONTEXT: The evaluation of quadriceps muscle inhibition with the interpolated twitch technique is usually performed by stimulating the femoral nerve (FN). However, there are some problems related to the use of this stimulation site, which may be partially overcome by delivering the stimulation over the motor point (MP). This study sought to compare MP to FN stimulation at different joint angles for the evaluation of quadriceps muscle inhibition, resting peak torque, and discomfort in healthy women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Sixteen healthy women (age: 28 [4] y; body mass: 60 [5] kg; height: 162 [5] cm) participated in this study. Supramaximal paired stimuli were delivered to the FN and to the rectus femoris MP before and during maximal voluntary contractions at different knee angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion) to assess muscle inhibition and resting peak torque. Discomfort was also recorded for each stimulation site and knee angle. RESULTS: Muscle inhibition was similar between the 2 stimulation sites (P > .05) and was higher at 45° than at 90° (P = .03). MP stimulation evoked lower resting peak torque at 30° (P = .004), 60° (P = .006), and 90° (P = .006) and higher discomfort at 30° (P = .008) and 90° (P = .027) compared to FN stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite lower resting peak torque and higher discomfort at some angles, MP stimulation provided similar muscle inhibition to FN stimulation at all knee angles and is therefore a valid method to evaluate quadriceps muscle inhibition in healthy women. MP stimulation can be used as an alternative to FN stimulation for the evaluation of quadriceps muscle inhibition with no added discomfort at the angles where muscle inhibition is the highest.

Periarticular Infiltration Compared to Single Femoral Nerve Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Study / Infiltração periarticular comparada ao bloqueio do nervo femoral único na artroplastia total de joelho: Um estudo prospectivo randomizado

Abstract Objective To compare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under spinal anesthesia and single femoral nerve block (FNB) with subjects undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia and periarticular infiltration (PAI). Materials and Methods A total of 100 patients undergoing primary TKA were randomized into two groups. Group 1 included patients undergoing surgery under FNB associated with spinal anesthesia, while group 2 included patients undergoing TKA under IPA and spinal anesthesia. The assessment of these subjects in the early postoperative period included pain, active flexion, active extension, elevation of the extended limb, and morphine use. Results There was no significant difference in the types of analgesia concerning pain, the elevation of the extended limb, and morphine use. Active flexion and extension were better in the PAI group (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02 respectively). Conclusion We conclude that the techniques are similar regarding pain control, limb elevation, and morphine use. The use of IPA provided better active flexion and extension during the hospital stay compared to single FNB in patients undergoing TKA.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar pacientes submetidos a artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ) sob raquianestesia e bloqueio do nervo femoral (BNF) único e comparar com pacientes que submetidos a ATJ sob raquianestesia e infiltração periarticular (IPA). Materiais e Métodos Um total de 100 pacientes submetidos a ATJ foram randomizados em dois grupos. O grupo 1 incluiu pacientes submetidos a ATJ sob BNF associado à raquianestesia, ao passo que o grupo 2 incluiu pacientes submetidos a ATJ sob IPA associada à raquianestesia. Os indivíduos foram avaliados no pós-operatório precoce quanto à dor, à flexão e extensão ativas, à elevação do membro estendido e ao uso de morfina. Resultados Não se observou diferença significativa associada ao tipo de analgesia em relação à dor, à elevação do membro em extensão e ao consumo de morfina. Houve melhor flexão e extensão ativas no grupo que recebeu IPA (p = 0,04 e p = 0,02, respectivamente). Conclusão Concluímos que as técnicas utilizadas são semelhantes quanto ao controle da dor, à elevação de membro e ao uso de morfina. O uso de IPA proporcionou uma melhor flexão e extensão ativas durante o período de internação hospitalar comparado ao uso de BNF único em pacientes submetidos a ATJ.

Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group and obturator nerve phenol neurolysis for refractory inpatient hip cancer metastasis pain: a case report

Abstract Introduction: Bone cancer metastasis may produce severe and refractory pain. It is often difficult to manage with systemic analgesics. Chemical neurolysis may be an effective alternative in terminally ill patients. Case report: Female terminally ill patient with hip metastasis of gastric cancer in severe pain. Neurolytic ultrasound-guided blocks of the pericapsular nerve group and obturator nerve were performed with 5% phenol. This led to satisfactory pain relief for 10 days, until the patient's death. Discussion: This approach may be effective and safe as an analgesic option for refractory hip pain due to metastasis or pathologic fracture in terminally ill patients.

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

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

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.

Randomized clinical trial comparing pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration for total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This randomized trial compared pericapsular nerve group block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. We hypothesized that, compared with pericapsular nerve group block, periarticular local anesthetic infiltration would decrease the postoperative incidence of quadriceps weakness at 3 hours fivefold (ie, from 45% to 9%). METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive a pericapsular nerve group block (n=30) using 20 mL of adrenalized bupivacaine 0.50%, or periarticular local anesthetic infiltration (n=30) using 60 mL of adrenalized bupivacaine 0.25%. Both groups also received 30 mg of ketorolac, either intravenously (pericapsular nerve group block) or periarticularly (periarticular local anesthetic infiltration), as well as 4 mg of intravenous dexamethasone.Postoperatively, a blinded evaluator carried out sensory assessment and motor assessment (knee extension and hip adduction) at 3, 6 and 24 hours. Furthermore, the blinded observer also recorded static and dynamic pain scores at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 hours; time to first opioid request; cumulative breakthrough morphine consumption at 24 hours and 48 hours; opioid-related side effects; ability to perform physiotherapy at 6, 24 and 48 hours; as well as length of stay. RESULTS: There were no differences in quadriceps weakness at 3 hours between pericapsular nerve group block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration (20% vs 33%; p=0.469). Furthermore, no intergroup differences were found in terms of sensory block or motor block at other time intervals; time to first opioid request; cumulative breakthrough morphine consumption; opioid-related side effects; ability to perform physiotherapy; and length of stay. Compared with pericapsular nerve group block, periarticular local anesthetic infiltration resulted in lower static pain scores (at all measurement intervals) and dynamic pain scores (at 3 and 6 hours). CONCLUSION: For primary total hip arthroplasty, pericapsular nerve group block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration result in comparable rates of quadriceps weakness. However, periarticular local anesthetic infiltration is associated with lower static pain scores (especially during the first 24 hours) and dynamic pain scores (first 6 hours). Further investigation is required to determine the optimal technique and local anesthetic admixture for periarticular local anesthetic infiltration. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05087862.

Anesthesia or analgesia? New block for shoulder surgery: pericapsular nerve group block

Abstract Interscalene brachial plexus (ISB) block is considered the analgesic technique of choice for shoulder surgery. However, the hemidiaphragmatic paresis that may occur after the block has led to the search for an alternative to the ISB block. In this case report, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block was performed for both surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in two patients who underwent shoulder surgery. It is suggested that the PENG block can be safely applied for analgesia and can be part of surgical anesthesia, but alone is not sufficient for anesthesia. The block of this area did not cause motor block or pulmonary complications, nor result in muscle laxity, blocking only the shoulder and the upper third of the humerus. It was demonstrated that the PENG block may be safely applied for both partial anesthesia and analgesia in selected shoulder surgery cases.

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.

Continuous pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block through an elastomeric infusion system, associated with the lateral cutaneous nerve block of the thigh for total hip arthroplasty.

Orthopaedic surgeries can lead to pain that is difficult to treat, sometimes requiring prolonged hospitalisation. Peripheral nerve blocks stand out as an efficient strategy within the context of multimodal analgesia. The hypothesis is that continuous pericapsular nerve group block, when combined with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block, can provide excellent analgesic coverage for hip surgeries. Continuous infusion systems can prolong analgesia, minimising opioid consumption, adverse effects and providing faster recovery. We describe a case of efficient analgesia, in which a catheter was positioned between the iliopsoas muscle plane and the iliopubic eminence for total hip arthroplasty.

A guideline for femoral nerve block with the age-related formulas obtained from the distances between the femoral nerve and surface anatomical landmarks in fetal cadavers / Una guía para el bloqueo del nervio femoral con fórmulas relacionadas con la edad obtenidas a partir de las distancias entre el nervio femoral y los puntos de referencia anatómicos superficiales en cadáveres fetales

SUMMARY: The femoral nerve (FN) is used for nerve block in many surgeries and provides effective postoperative analgesics in the pediatric population. However, although there are sufficient anatomical maps and signs for femoral nerve blockades in adults, there is not enough information for the pediatric group. Therefore, in our study, we tried to determine an effective area for safe block blocking with the help of bone structures in order to perform effective blockade in younger age groups. The study was conducted on 60 lower limbs. The exit point of the FN was identified. The measurements were examined in two regards, namely the level of the FN and the relationship of the FN with the surrounding structures. For the right and left sides, all the parameters showed increases with age. A significant relationship was found between all the parameters of the fetal cadavers (p<0.01). It was determined that there was a strong correlation between all parameters related to FN and surrounding bone structures (p<0.01). Sex was not found to be significantly related to the other parameters (p<0.05 Among all the fetal cadavers, high-level division was observed in six limbs (10 %), mid-level division in 33 limbs (55 %), and lower-level division in 21 limbs (35 %). Gestational age-based regression equations from my study showed that the site of the blockage could be effectively performed with the aid of palpable bone structures from the outside without the need for technical assistance.

RESUMEN: El nervio femoral (NF) se utiliza para el bloqueo nervioso en muchas cirugías y proporciona analgesia posoperatoria eficaz en la población pediátrica. Sin embargo, aunque existen suficientes mapas anatómicos y signos de bloqueo del NF en los individuos adultos, no hay suficiente información para el grupo pediátrico. Se intentó determinar una área exacta para el bloqueo del NF junto con estructuras óseas para realizar un bloqueo efectivo. El estudio se realizó en 60 miembros inferiores. Se identificó el punto de salida del NF. Las mediciones se realizaron en dos puntos, nivel del NF y la relación de éste con las estructuras circundantes. Para los lados derecho e izquierdo, todos los parámetros mostraron incrementos con la edad. Se encontró una relación significativa entre todos los parámetros de los cadáveres fetales (p<0,01). Se determinó que existía una fuerte correlación entre todos los parámetros relacionados con el NF y las estructuras óseas circundantes (p <0,01). No se encontró que el sexo se relacionara significativamente con los otros parámetros (p<0,05 Entre todos los cadáveres fetales se observó un alto nivel de división en seis miembros (10 %), una división de nivel medio en 33 miembros (55 %) y división de nivel inferior en 21 miembros (35 %). Las ecuaciones de regresión basadas en la edad gestacional del estudio mostraron que el sitio de bloqueo se podría realizar eficazmente con la ayuda de estructuras óseas palpables desde el exterior sin necesidad de asistencia técnica.

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

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.

Pilot study of the effect of therapeutic photobiomodulation on postoperative pain in knee arthroplasty.

Nine participants undergoing primary TKA submitted to spinal anesthesia, sedation, ultrasound-guided obturator and Femoral nerve Block analgesia, and photobiomodulation Therapy (FBMT) were evaluated regarding postoperative pain and morphine consumption. FBMT sessions were performed in the Immediate Postoperative period (IPO) and after 24 hours. Participants received 16.7±15 mg of morphine up to the third postoperative day. At IPO, mean pain score was 4.8±3.2 and 5.6±3.5, at rest and on movement, respectively. Photo biomodulation therapy can be considered an option for mitigating pain for patients undergoing TKA.

The impact of IPACK combined with adductor canal block under ultrasound guidance on early motor function after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Infiltration between the Popliteal Artery and Capsule of the posterior Knee (IPACK) combined with an adductor canal block under the guidance of ultrasound on early motor function after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A sample of 60 cases who were scheduled for elective unilateral TKA were divided into two groups using random number table method: a group with IPACK combined with an adductor canal block (I group, n = 30), and a group with femoral nerve block combined with superior popliteal sciatic nerve block (FS group, n = 30). Before anesthesia induction was completed, the patients in I group received an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block with 15 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and an IPACK block with 25 mL of ropivacaine, and the patients in FS group received a femoral nerve block and a superior popliteal sciatic nerve block with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine under ultrasound guidance. Post-operation, all the patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia combined with an oral celecoxib capsule to relieve pain and maintain a visual analogue scale score of ≤ 3. RESULTS: The quadriceps femoris muscle strength score was significantly higher in Ⅰ group than in FS group (p = 0.001), while the modified Bromage score were significantly lower and walking distance results were significantly higher in Ⅰ group than in FS group (both p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Compared with femoral nerve block combined with superior popliteal sciatic nerve block, IPACK combined with adductor canal block had a mild impact on early motor functions after TKA.

Anesthesia or analgesia? New block for shoulder surgery: pericapsular nerve group block.

Interscalene brachial plexus (ISB) block is considered the analgesic technique of choice for shoulder surgery. However, the hemidiaphragmatic paresis that may occur after the block has led to the search for an alternative to the ISB block. In this case report, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block was performed for both surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in two patients who underwent shoulder surgery. It is suggested that the PENG block can be safely applied for analgesia and can be part of surgical anesthesia, but alone is not sufficient for anesthesia. The block of this area did not cause motor block or pulmonary complications, nor result in muscle laxity, blocking only the shoulder and the upper third of the humerus. It was demonstrated that the PENG block may be safely applied for both partial anesthesia and analgesia in selected shoulder surgery cases.

Split unilateral del nervio femoral a nivel del músculo psoas mayor: reporte de caso / Unilateral femoral nerve split at the psoas major muscle: case report

RESUMEN: El nervio femoral (NF) es el mayor o ramo del plexo lumbar. Normalmente se origina de las divisiones posteriores del segundo al cuarto ramo anterior del plexo lumbar (L2-L4). El músculo psoas mayor tiene su origen a nivel de las vértebras T12 a L5, se fusiona con el músculo ilíaco para luego insertarse en el trocánter menor del fémur. Normalmente, a nivel de la pelvis menor el NF se encuentra entre los músculos ilíaco y psoas mayor. En este trabajo presentamos un caso donde el músculo psoas mayor se relaciona con divisiones o split del NF, esta es una rara variación en la división y curso del NF con relación al músculo psoas mayor. Se observó que el NF se dividía en dos ramos por sobre el plano del ligamento inguinal después de su origen en el plexo lumbar. El NF del lado izquierdo se formó por las ramas ventrales de L2 a L4, a nivel de L5 el nervio es perforado por fascículos del músculo psoas mayor. La división inferior del NF pasaba profundamente a las fibras del músculo iliopsoas y la división superior pasaba superficialmente al músculo psoas mayor y profundo a la fascia ilíaca. Después de un trayecto de 60,21 mm ambas divisiones se unieron, después de atrapar fibras músculo iliopsoas justo inmediatamente proximal al ligamento inguinal para formar el tronco del NF. Si bien las causas embriológicas de las variaciones de los nervios periféricos se remontan a la quinta y sexta semana de vida intrauterina, la expresión clínica de disfunciones neuromusculares aparecerá varios decenios después. De modo que los médicos de las áreas de la traumatología y neurología deben estar al tanto de tales variantes anatómicas para entender mejor el dolor y los síndromes asociados a la compresión nerviosa y durante las maniobras quirúrgicas en esta región.

SUMMARY: AbstractThe femoral nerve (NF) is the major branch (or ramus) of the lumbar plexus. It normally originates from the posterior divisions of the second to fourth anterior branches of the lumbar plexus (L2-L4). The psoas major muscle originates at the level of the T12 to L5 vertebrae, fuses with the iliacus muscle and then inserts into the lesser trochanter of the femur. Normally, at the level of the lesser pelvis, the NF is found between the iliacus and psoas major muscles. In this paper we present a case where the psoas major muscle is related to divisions or splitting of the NF, this is a rare variation in the division and course of the NF in relation to the psoas major muscle. The NF was observed to divide into two branches above the plane of the inguinal ligament after its origin in the lumbar plexus. The NF on the left side was formed by ventral branches from L2 to L4, at the level of L5 the nerve is perforated by fascicles of the psoas major muscle. The lower division of the NF passed deep to the fibers of the iliopsoas muscle and the upper division passed superficial to the psoas major muscle and deep to the iliac fascia. After a path of 60.21 mm both divisions joined, after trapping iliopsoas muscle fibers just immediately proximal to the inguinal ligament to form the NF trunk. While the embryological causes of peripheral nerve variations date back to the fifth and sixth week of intrauterine life, the clinical expression of neuromuscular dysfunctions will appear several decades later. Thus, physicians in the areas of traumatology and neurology should be aware of such anatomical variants to better understand pain and syndromes associated with nerve compression and during surgical maneuvers in this region.