Retrospective evaluation of postoperative analgesia efficacy of a new technique in anterior iliac crest bone graft harvesting: anterior iliac block

Abstract

Abstract Background In reconstructive surgeries, iliac crest bone graft harvesting is commonly preferred. The pain experienced after surgery at the anterior iliac crest (AIC) donor site might be more intense compared to the pain at the primary surgical area where the graft is placed. To address this issue, we defined a novel technique called the anterior iliac block (AIB), which can provide analgesia with lower volumes. In this study, the effect of this technique for AIC bone greft harvesting was evaluated. Methods Patients who were operated on and had AIC bone graft harvested included in this retrospective study. The study collected age, height, weight, ASA classification, and duration of surgery, information on the regional anesthesia technique, block performance, postoperative pain severity, opioid consumption, rescue analgesics used in the first postoperative 24 h. Results Data from 16 patients were analyzed. The popliteal sciatic block was performed in eight patients, infraclavicular brachial plexus block in four patients, supraclavicular brachial plexus block in one patient, PENG block in one patient, and proximal adductor canal block in two patients two provide analgesia for primary surgery. The median morphine consumption at postoperative 24th hour was 3.5 mg, median NRS score was 1 at postoperative 1st hour, and 0 at postoperative 6th, 12th and 24th hours. Conclusions The study findings indicate that the AIB provides adequate analgesia for AIC graft harvesting in the first postoperative 24-hour period. It can be used as an adjuvant to the peripheric nerve block for the primary surgical site. Trial registration NCT06295224.

Keywords

• Anterior iliac block
• Iliac crest bone greft harvesting
• Postoperative pain
• Regional anesthesia
• Ultrasound guidance