• Stephan P Mahler.
• Clinique Vétérinaire Pans'bêtes, Centre commercial des Clouères, Acigné, France Centre d'imagerie Vétérinaire de l'Ouest, ZA Des Hautes Fontenelles, Mordelles, France. stephan_mahler@hotmail.com
• Vet Anaesth Analg. 2012 Sep 1;39(5):550-4.

ObjectiveTo describe the location of the femoral nerve within the iliopsoas muscle and determine the feasibility and potential complications of an ultrasound-guided block.Study DesignProspective experimental trial.AnimalsSixteen adult dogs, median weight 14.3 (range 3-37) kg.MethodsPhase I. Computed tomographic images of the iliopsoas muscle and femoral nerve were analyzed in two dogs. Phase II. The location of the femoral nerve within the iliopsoas muscle was determined via ultrasonography in 11 healthy anaesthetized dogs. Phase III. Peripheral nerve stimulation and ultrasound were combined to perform femoral nerve blocks in three dogs.ResultsUsing computed tomography, the femoral nerve and its L4-L5 roots were identified within the iliopsoas muscle. The nerve itself was traced until it branched off into the quadriceps femoris muscle. Using ultrasonography, it was possible to observe the femoral nerve in nine dogs (82%). Starting at the dorsal third of the iliopsoas muscle, its path was traced in a caudo-ventro-lateral direction, emerging from the iliopsoas muscle shortly before passing through the muscular lacuna where it became very difficult to identify. An ultrasound-guided femoral nerve approach was carried out successfully in all three dogs.ConclusionsIt is possible to approach the femoral nerve using combined ultrasound guidance and peripheral nerve stimulation to a closer proximal point than previously described.Clinical RelevanceThe ultrasound-guided approach of the femoral nerve within the iliopsoas muscle has the potential to become an additional approach.© 2012 The Author. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. © 2012 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists.

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