Factors to consider for fascial plane blocks' success in acute and chronic pain management

Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks in chronic pain: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have unveiled the intricate and distinctive nature of fascia, no longer regarding it solely as a muscle container. Recent research highlights its complex innervation and structure, signifying its significance in chronic pain pathways.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search (updated on February 2024) to evaluate the role of fascial plane blocks in chronic pain treatment. All article types (randomized clinical trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies along with case reports and case series) were deemed eligible for inclusion if they referenced "fascial plane blocks" for the control of chronic pain conditions (persistent post-surgical, neuropathic, musculoskeletal-myofascial and cancer-related) and were published between 2010 and February 2024.

RESULTS

The search revealed an increasing evidence in the literature for the implementation of fascial blocks in chronic pain management, although still heavily limited to case reports or series.

CONCLUSION

With the integration of ultrasound technology and a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action, the fascial plane blocks continue to broaden their application also in chronic pain management, as a part of a multimodal strategy or as an alternative to conventional drugs or opioids.

Fascial plane blocks: from microanatomy to clinical applications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the last 20 years, advancements in the understanding of fasciae have significantly transformed anaesthesia and surgery. Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) have gained popularity due to their validated safety profile and relative ease. They are used in various clinical settings for surgical and nonsurgical indications. Growing evidence suggests a link between the microscopic anatomy of fasciae and their mechanism of action. As a result, knowledge of these aspects is urgently needed to better optimise pain management. The purpose of this review is to summarise the different microscopic aspects of deep/muscular fascia to expand our understanding in the performance of FPBs.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is ample evidence to support the role of FPBs in pain management. However, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Fasciae are composed of various structural elements and display complex anatomical characteristics at the microscopic level. They include various cell types embedded within an extracellular matrix abundant in collagens and hyaluronan. Increasingly, numerous studies demonstrated their innervation that contributes to their sensory functions and their role in proprioception, motor coordination and pain perception. Lastly, the diversity of the cellular and extracellular matrix, with their viscoelastic properties, is essential to understanding the FPBs' mechanism of action.

SUMMARY

Physicians must be aware of the role of fascial microscopic anatomy and better understand their properties to perform FPBs in a conscious manner and enhance pain management.

Impact of Different Volumes of Pericapsular Nerve Group Block on Pain During Spinal Anesthesia Positioning and Postoperative Opioid Requirements in Femoral Fracture Surgeries; Randomized Prospective Study

Introduction

Hip fracture surgeries in patients present significant challenges, particularly in managing pain during spinal anesthesia positioning. The Pericapsular Nerve Group Block (PENG) has shown promise in addressing this issue, but the ideal volume of local anesthetic for PENG is still uncertain. In our study, we aimed to analyze the effects of administering PENG block with two different volumes on analgesic quality for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, the effects of administering a PENG block with 20 mL versus 30 mL of local anesthetic in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery under spinal anesthesia were compared. The primary outcome was pain during spinal anesthesia positioning, and secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption.

Results

A total of 60 patients were analyzed, with 30 in each group. Critical parameters such as the time of spinal anesthesia administration and the satisfaction of the anesthesiologist showed no significant differences (p=0.918; p=0.741, respectively). NRS scores recorded before, during, and after the positioning for spinal anesthesia exhibited similar patterns (p=0.290; p=0.247; p=0.288, respectively). The cumulative opioid requirements did not exhibit a statistically significant difference at 24 hours (p = 0.098). Quadriceps weakness was significantly more in the PENG-30 group 6 hours after surgery but had recovered by the 9th hour (p= 0.004).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, the effects of applying the PENG block with 20 mL or 30 mL of local anesthetic are comparable in terms of positioning for spinal anesthesia and postoperative analgesic requirements.

Anesthesiologists ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia core curriculum: a Delphi consensus from Italian regional anesthesia experts

INTRODUCTION

The need for a standardized core curriculum in regional anesthesia has become essential, particularly with the integration of ultrasound revolutionizing and exponentially increasing clinical practice and possibilities. In fact, numerous novel techniques, often overlapping, can confuse practitioners. This study aims to establish a core curriculum for upper limb, lower limb, paraspinal and fascial plane blocks for residency training, addressing potential educational gaps caused by the multitude of techniques, through a Delphi consensus process involving recognized Italian regional anesthesia experts.

METHODS

A steering committee was formed in order to select a panel of experts in regional anesthesia. A three-round Delphi consensus was planned: two rounds of electronic voting and a final round of mixed electronic voting and round table discussion. The consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement for inclusion and lower than ≤ 25% agreement for exclusion from the core curriculum list. Techniques reaching the 50% threshold were included with low consensus.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine techniques were selected to be included in the ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia core curriculum. Twenty-two were included with strong consensus: Upper limb: interscalene brachial plexus block, supraclavicular brachial plexus block, infraclavicular brachial plexus block, axillary brachial plexus block, intermediate cervical plexus block Lower limb: femoral nerve block, pericapsular nerve group block, adductor canal block, sciatic nerve block (transgluteal approach, infragluteal approach, and at the popliteal fossa), ankle block Paraspinal/fascial plane blocks: erector spinae plane block, deep serratus anterior plane block, superficial pectointercostal plane block, interpectoral plane block, pectoserratus plane block, rectus sheath block, ilioinguinal iliohypogastric nerves block, transversus abdominis plane block (with subcostal and midaxillary approaches) The remaining seven techniques were included with low consensus: superficial cervical plexus block, lumbar plexus block, fascia iliaca block (suprainguinal approach), anterior quadratus lumborum block, lateral quadratus lumborum block, paravertebral block, and serratus anterior plane block.

CONCLUSIONS

This curriculum aims to standardize training and ensure that residents acquire the essential skills required for effective and safe practice regardless of the residents' subsequent specialization. By incorporating these techniques, educational programs can provide a structured and consistent approach to regional anesthesia, enhancing the quality of patient care and improving outcomes.

Rectus sheath block added to parasternal block may improve postoperative pain control and respiratory performance after cardiac surgery: a superiority single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The population undergoing cardiac surgery confronts challenges from uncontrolled post-sternotomy pain, with possible adverse effects on outcome. While the parasternal block can improve analgesia, its coverage may be insufficient to cover epigastric area. In this non-blinded randomized controlled study, we evaluated the analgesic and respiratory effect of adding a rectus sheath block to a parasternal block.

METHODS

58 patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy were randomly assigned to receive parasternal block with rectus sheath block (experimental) or parasternal block with epigastric exit sites of chest drains receiving surgical infiltration of local anesthetic (control). The primary outcome of this study was pain at rest at extubation. We also assessed pain scores at rest and during respiratory exercises, opiate consumption and respiratory performance during the first 24 hours after extubation.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) maximum pain scores (on a 0-10 Numeric Rate Scale (NRS)) at extubation were 4 (4, 4) in the rectus sheath group and 5 (4, 5) in the control group (difference 1, p value=0.03). Rectus sheath block reduced opioid utilization by 2 mg over 24 hours (IC 95% 0.0 to 2.0; p<0.01), reduced NRS scores at other time points, and improved respiratory performance at 6, 12, and 24 hours after extubation.

CONCLUSION

The addition of a rectus sheath block with a parasternal block improves analgesia for cardiac surgery requiring chest drains emerging in the epigastric area.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05764616.