A radiologic and anatomic assessment of injectate spread following transmuscular quadratus lumborum block in cadavers.
Publication Date
2017
Journal Title
Anaesthesia
ISSN
1365-2044
Abstract
We performed bilateral transmuscular quadratus lumborum blocks in six cadavers using iodinated contrast and methylene blue. Computed tomography imaging was performed in four cadavers and anatomical dissection was completed in five. This demonstrated spread to the lumbar paravertebral space in 63% of specimens, laterally to the transversus abdominis muscle in 50% and caudally to the anterior superior iliac spine in 63% of specimens. There was no radiographic evidence of spread to the thoracic paravertebral space. Anatomical dissection revealed dye staining of the upper branches of the lumbar plexus and the psoas major muscle in 70% of specimens. Further clinical studies are required to confirm if the quadratus lumborum block might be a suitable alternative to lumbar plexus block.
Volume Number
72
Issue Number
1
Pages
73-79
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
Science Education
PMID
DOI
10.1111/anae.13647