A Novel Method of Ultrasound-guided Modified Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Block for Perioperative Pain Control in Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery: Experience Based on Two Cases

Abstract

Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Blocks (TLIP) is commonly used for pain management after spine surgeries. It involves blocking the dorsal rami of the thoracolumbar nerves in the fascial plane between the multifidus and longissimus muscles. The clinical efficacy of the conventional TLIP block is well documented in the postoperative pain management for lumbar spinal surgeries. The novel ultrasound-guided modified TLIP block described here is relatively safe and easier to perform by the trainee Anaesthesiologists. Besides, the relevant sonoanatomic landmarks of the novel technique and its perioperative analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion surgery are described here. Further ultrasound- anatomy correlation studies are required to investigate this novel approach TLIP block.