Gluteal Contractions as a Gateway to Sacral Plexus

Abstract

Background Neurostimulation-guided sacral plexus blocks (SPBs) are primarily indicated for surgeries of the foot and ankle and secondarily for supplementing a lumbar plexus block for hip surgeries. Although ultrasound has largely replaced neurostimulation-guided SPB, it may not be available at all facilities. Hence, it is prudent to understand the intricacies of neurostimulation-guided SPB. Methodology In this study, 10 American Society of Anesthesiologists-physical status I and II patients undergoing an intramedullary femoral nail procedure for femoral fractures of the shaft femur received a combined lumbar and sacral plexus block for operative surgery and postoperative pain relief. Neurostimulation-guided SPB was administered in all patients after the lumbar plexus block. Results In all patients, gluteal contractions were observed as the stimulating needle advanced during neurostimulation-guided SPB, which was either a dorsal or plantar flexion. The end-point of neurostimulation-guided SPB was obtained at 1-1.5 mm beyond the gluteal contractions. Conclusions It is important to understand that gluteal contractions are evident as the needle is advanced and can be considered a gateway during a neurostimulation-guided SPB.