Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The anterior iliac crest (AIC) is one of the most common sites for harvesting autologous bone, but the associated postoperative pain can result in significant morbidity. Recently, the transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQL) has been described to anesthetize the thoraco-lumbar nerves. This study utilizes a combination of cadaveric models and clinical case studies to evaluate the dermatomal coverage and analgesic utility of TQL for AIC bone graft donor site analgesia. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided TQL injections consistently cover the thoraco-lumbar innervation relevant to the AIC graft donor site. The injectate spread seen in anatomical dissections correlated with the dermatomal anesthesia clinically. The TQL has the potential to provide reliable analgesia for patients undergoing AIC bone graft harvesting.