Journal article
Anatomical considerations for obturator nerve block with fascia iliaca compartment block
Thomas Fichtner Bendtsen, Erik Morre Pedersen, Bernhard Moriggl, Peter Hebbard, Jason Ivanusic, Jens Borglum, Thomas Dahl Nielsen, Philip Peng
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE | BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP | Published : 2021
Abstract
This report reviews the topographical and functional anatomy relevant for assessing whether or not the obturator nerve (ON) can be anesthetized using a fascia iliaca compartment (FIC) block. The ON does not cross the FIC. This means that the ON would only be blocked by an FIC block if the injectate spreads to the ON outside of the FIC. Such a phenomena would require the creation of one or more artificial passageways to the ON in the retro-psoas compartment or the retroperitoneal compartment by disrupting the normal anatomical integrity of the FI. Due to this requirement for an artificial pathway, an FIC block probably does not block the ON.
Grants
Funding Acknowledgements
The study was funded by the Salling Foundation, the Toyota Foundation Denmark, and the Health Research Foundation of the Central Denmark Region. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors.