Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...

Spinal Nerves: Plexus II

Spinal Nerves: Plexus II

The plexuses of the lower body include the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses, which innervate the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and coccygeal region. These plexuses control the transmission of sensory information and coordinate motor functions of the lower body.
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

[Anesthetic complications in a rehabilitation hospital: is the incidence related to the pre-anesthetic visit?].

Revista brasileira de anestesiologia·2014

Same author

Nitrous oxide use in children.

Revista brasileira de anestesiologia·2012

Same author

Incidence of regional pain syndrome after carpal tunnel release. Is there a correlation with the anesthetic technique?

Revista brasileira de anestesiologia·2011

Same author

Effect of isolated anticonvulsant drug use and associated to midazolam as pre-anesthetic medication on the Bispectral Index (BIS) in patients with cerebral palsy.

Revista brasileira de anestesiologia·2010

Same author

Epidural lumbar block or lumbar plexus block combined with general anesthesia: efficacy and hemodynamic effects on total hip arthroplasty.

Revista brasileira de anestesiologia·2009

Same author

Postoperative analgesia for the surgical correction of congenital clubfoot: comparison between peripheral nerve block and caudal epidural block.

Revista brasileira de anestesiologia·2009

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

Published on: February 14, 2025

[Total spinal block after posterior lumbar plexus blockade: case report.].

Leonardo Teixeira Domingues Duarte¹, Renato Angelo Saraiva

¹Rede SARAH de Hospitais do Aparelho Locomotor.

Revista Brasileira De Anestesiologia

|May 27, 2009

Summary

A rare total spinal block occurred after a posterior lumbar plexus blockade. This case highlights the importance of anesthesiologist vigilance and anatomical knowledge during the procedure to prevent serious complications.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

Published on: February 14, 2025

Area of Science:

Anesthesiology
Neurosurgery
Regional Anesthesia

Context:

Lumbar plexus blockade is a valuable technique for hip, thigh, and knee surgeries.
Potential complications necessitate experienced practitioners.
This report details a rare case of total spinal block following posterior lumbar plexus blockade.

Purpose:

To present a case of total spinal block after posterior lumbar plexus blockade.
To discuss the potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
To emphasize the importance of anatomical knowledge and vigilance in performing lumbar plexus blocks.

Summary:

A 34-year-old male developed apnea, hypotension, and dilated pupils after a right posterior lumbar plexus blockade for total hip arthroplasty.
The patient experienced a motor block of the lower extremities, resolving after nine hours.
Low current motor response during blockade may indicate needle placement within the thecal sheath, risking spread to epidural/subarachnoid spaces.

Impact:

Highlights the critical need for precise needle placement and current intensity monitoring during lumbar plexus blockade.
Reinforces the importance of anesthesiologist expertise and anatomical awareness to mitigate risks.
Underscores the potential for severe neurological complications even with seemingly safe procedures.