[Ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block]

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The obturator nerve block is crucial for procedures involving the adductor muscles of the thigh.
• Accurate anatomical identification is key to successful nerve blocks.
• Ultrasound guidance offers improved visualization for regional anesthesia techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the technique and relevant anatomy for ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block.
• To detail the interadductor approach for obturator nerve blockade.
• To provide guidance for optimizing the efficacy and safety of this nerve block.

Main Methods:

• Review of anatomical landmarks relevant to the obturator nerve.
• Description of the ultrasound-guided interadductor approach.
• Technique for local anesthetic injection between identified muscle layers.

Main Results:

• The obturator nerve can be identified by visualizing three key muscle layers: adductor longus, adductor brevis, and adductor magnus.
• Successful injection requires confirmation of needle tip placement and anesthetic spread between these muscle planes.
• This method aims to overcome challenges in direct nerve visualization.

Conclusions:

• The interadductor approach for ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block is feasible.
• Careful observation of the three adductor muscle layers facilitates accurate anesthetic delivery.
• This technique is expected to reduce block failure and associated adverse events.