An uncommon cause of nerve stimulator's malfunction during a dual guidance lumbar plexus block: A technical brief report and an algorithm for prevention of complications

Posterior Lumbar Plexus Block Anesthesia for Elderly Patients with Lower Limb Fracture

The incidence rate of lower limb fractures is high and has increased over the recent years, which affects the physical and mental health and the daily activities of patients. Lower limb fractures are often treated surgically. Therefore, an effective anesthesia regimen is crucial for a smooth and stable operation. To investigate the efficacy of posterior lumbar plexus block anesthesia during surgery for elderly patients with lower extremity fractures. In total, patients were divided into study and control groups. Anesthesia was administered by posterior lumbar plexus nerve block in the study group and epidural anesthesia in the control group. Hemodynamic parameters, anesthesia condition, pain level (VAS), and adverse effects were measured in both groups before anesthesia (T0), at anesthesia induction (T1), 30 min into the operation (T2), and at the end of the operation (T3). At T0, there were no significant differences in MAP and HR between the study and control groups. However, MAP and HR in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at T1, T2, and T3. The BIS value of the study group at each time point after anesthesia was significantly lower than that of the control group. The onset and induction time of anesthesia in the study group were also significantly shorter than those in the control group. Preoperative VAS scores did not differ between the study and control groups. However, the VAS scores of the study group at each time point were significantly lower than those of the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Our results suggest that anesthesia with posterior lumbar plexus block surgery for lower extremity fractures in elderly patients can maintain hemodynamic stability and reduce block onset time, anesthesia induction time, and pain.