The Ultrasound Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group and Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Blocks in Hip Replacement Surgeries

AQLB performed in the lateral position. A low-frequency convex probe for the abdomen (2-5) MHz convex probe, (Siemens ACUSON X300 Ultrasound System) was placed horizontally above the iliac crest. On ultrasound, The psoas major was located on the ventral side of the transverse process, the erector spinae was located on the dorsal side of the transverse process, and the quadratus lumborum was located on the lateral side of the transverse process. A 38-mm 22-gauge regional block needle was advanced in-plane from posterior to anterior directing the needle tip in the fascial plane between the psoas major and the quadratus lumborum that was confirmed by injecting 1 ml saline and watchingt the fluil fting the muscle while not distending any of the two muscles (hydro-localization). Then 30mL of local anaesthetic (29ml of 0.25% bupivacaine + 1 ml of dexamethasone (4mgs) was injected with observation of local anaesthesia spread in the fascial plane.

With the patients in supine position, A low-frequency convex probe (2-5 MHz) in was placed in a transverse plane over the anterior inferior iliac spine and then it was rotated 45 degrees in counter-clockwise direction to be aligned with the pubic ramus. In this view, the ilio-pubic eminence, iliopsoas muscle tendon, femoral nerve and vessels was observed. With in-plane approach, a 38-mm 22-gauge (22-G, 50-mm) regional block needle inserted in-plane, from lateral to medial to place the needle tip underneath the iliopsoas tendon, exactly between the ilipsoas fascia anteriorly and the pubic ramus posteriorly. Following negative resistance and aspiration tests, correct location of the needle tip was confirmed by injecting 1 ml saline. Then, 30mL of local anaesthetic (29ml of 0.25% bupivacaine+ 1ml of dexamethasone (4mgs) was injected while observing for adequate fluid spread.