The Effect of Both Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy Guide Erector Spinae Plane Blocks

Overview

Since the original publication on the erector spinae plane (ESP) block in 2016, the technique of the ESP block has evolved significantly in the last few years. Current reports suggest that the ESP block provides adequate analgesia in thoracic and abdominal sites in a post-surgical and chronic pain patient. However, there were still inconsistencies and unclear spread of local anesthetics in ultrasound guide ESP block. This study focusing on the spread of local anesthetic in ESP block under ultrasound and fluoroscopy and possible mechanisms of action.

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block was first described by Forero et al. Considering the spread of local anesthetic in the ESP block, it can block more extensive spinal nerves. Therefore, since the first publication, the ESP block has been reported as an effective analgesic for several types of pain and has been used mainly in thoracic surgery. It also used in abdominal surgery, nephrectomy, hernia surgery, and hip surgery, among others. Additionally, the ESP block used not only acute pain management but also chronic pain management. The spread of local anesthetic in the ESP block investigated in several ways, such as computed tomography (CT) imaging of cadavers, fluoroscopy, chest radiography, and patients' CT imaging. These investigations show that local anesthetics in the ESP block spread to the upper and lower sides of the interfascial plane between the erector spine muscle and the underlying transverse process. Additionally, the local anesthetic spreads beyond the transverse process to reach the costotransverse junctions, after which it permeates the paravertebral space. Despite the many publications on ESP blocks, there are still inconsistencies and unclear aspects of the technique, such as the spread of local anesthetic and action mechanisms This study focuses on the spread of local anesthetic in ESP block under ultrasound and fluoroscopy and possible mechanisms of action.