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Leg weakness is a complication of ilio-inguinal nerve block in children

A K Lipp1, J Woodcock, B Hensman

  • 1Anaesthetic Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK. anna@lipp.org.uk

British Journal of Anaesthesia
|January 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Leg weakness is a common complication after ilio-inguinal nerve block in children undergoing groin surgery. This prospective study found that approximately 1 in 9 children experienced temporary leg weakness, possibly due to femoral nerve involvement.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pain Management
  • Surgical Complications

Background:

  • Ilio-inguinal nerve block is a standard analgesic technique for pediatric groin surgery.
  • Leg weakness is a reported complication, potentially from inadvertent femoral nerve block.
  • Prospective data on the incidence of this complication are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively determine the incidence of leg weakness following ilio-inguinal nerve block in children.
  • To assess the frequency of potential femoral nerve block as a complication.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, observational study involving 200 children undergoing day-case groin surgery.
  • Children received a standardized ilio-inguinal nerve block under general anesthesia.
  • A leg-raising test was performed before anesthesia and after recovery to detect leg weakness.

Main Results:

  • Out of 182 evaluable children, 16 (8.8%) exhibited leg weakness.
  • The observed leg weakness was localized to the side of the nerve block.
  • The incidence of leg weakness was detected using a standardized leg-raising test.

Conclusions:

  • Leg weakness, indicative of femoral nerve block, occurs in approximately 1 in 9 children after ilio-inguinal nerve block.
  • This finding highlights a notable complication rate associated with the procedure.
  • Further investigation into minimizing this complication may be warranted.
Abstract

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