OBJECTIVES: The lumbar plexus is located between the quadratus lumborum and the psoas major muscles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single 0.25% bupivacaine injection through the psoas compartment blockage in postoperative analgesia of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. METHODS: 40 patients received lumbar plexus blockage at the psoas compartment through nerve stimulator and a 0.25% bupivacaine 40-ml injection. Analgesia and pain severity were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours after surgery, similarly to rescue opioids. RESULTS: The ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral cutaneous of the thigh, femoral and obturator were blocked in 90% of patients. Blockage has reduced the amount of postoperative opioids, and 52.5% of patients required no additional postoperative analgesia, with analgesia duration of approximately 24 hours. There were no clinical signs or symptoms of bupivacaine toxicity, as well as no sequels secondary to nerves blockage. CONCLUSIONS: This report shows that injections into psoas compartment space is easy to perform and provides an effective blockage of the five nerves. The lumbar plexus blockage at the psoas compartment can be recommended for use in postoperative analgesia after orthopedic surgeries.
Analgesia; Anesthetics; Bupivacaine
