Lumbar erector spinae plane block obtunding knee and ankle reflexes

We report two patients who presented with absent knee reflexes (decreased quadriceps strength) and one patient with absent ankle reflex (foot drop) following continuous ESPB at the level of L3. The initial bolus was with 30 ml of 0.1% bupivacaine followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1% ropivacaine at 8ml/hour. The loss of knee reflexes in two patients and diminished reflexes in one patient suggested spread of local anaesthetic (LA) to the lumbosacral plexus. The LA infusion were stopped in all 3 patients. The average duration of motor block was 18 hours. These complications should be considered if early ambulation is mandatory for patients.
Source: Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research