Purpose: Ultrasound technology has been applied to increase both efficacy and safety of certain peripheral nerve blocks. This case report describes the first successful ultrasound-guided lumber plexus block.
Clinical features: We describe a 91-year-old woman with aortic stenosis who successfully underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured right hip with a lumbar plexus block. Ultrasound provided direct visualization to help identify the anatomical structures and guide the block needle during performance of the block. Complete block of the lumbar plexus was attained within 15 min, and the surgical procedure was performed uneventfully.
Conclusion: The use of ultrasound has gained popularity to perform peripheral nerve blocks. In this case report, a successful lumbar plexus block was performed with ultrasound guidance. By direct visualization, using this technology may potentially reduce complications associated with lumbar plexus blocks.