Spread of local anaesthetic after erector spinae plane block: a randomised, three-dimensional reconstruction, imaging study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spread of local anaesthetic solution in the paravertebral space after erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is variable. We evaluated whether paravertebral spread of local anaesthetic is affected by patient position after ESPB.

Methods

We randomised 84 patients to receive ESPB at T₇ with a mixture of 0.375% ropivacaine and radiocontrast dye (30 ml). Participants were positioned supine, prone, or lateral for 30 min after ESPB before computed tomography scanning. The primary outcome was paravertebral space local anaesthetic spread, with secondary assessments of craniocaudal spread and distribution to neural foramina, and intercostal and epidural spaces. Loss of sensation to cold was recorded.

Results

Local anaesthetic-contrast mix reached the paraverte

SUBMITTER: Shan T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11867096 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature