Continuous quadratus lumborum type 3 block provides effective postoperative analgesia for hip surgery: case report

摘要

IntroductionHip surgery is a major surgery that causes severe postoperative pain. Although pain during rest is usually considerably reduced mobilization is important in terms of thromboembolic complications. The quadratus lumborum block is a regional analgesic technique that blocks T6-L3 nerve branches. This block may provide adequate analgesia and reduce opioid consumption after hip surgery.Case reportWe performed continuous quadratus lumborum type 3 block in two patients who underwent hip arthroplasty. Postoperative 24-h pain scores, local anesthetic consumptions on patient-controlled analgesia and additional analgesic requirement were recorded. In two patients, postoperative pain scores were less than 6 during rest and physiotherapy. Patient was mobilized in the early postoperative period without additional opioid analgesic requirement and without muscle weakness.DiscussionContinuous quadratus lumborum block may be used to relieve postoperative acute pain in hip surgery because it provides one-sided anesthesia without muscle weakness.