Ultrasound guided lumbar erector spine block and caudal block for postoperative analgesia in pediatric lower limb orthopedic surgeries: A comparative study.

Background & Aim: Caudal block has proven its efficacy in post operative pain management. We have compared ultrasound guided (US)erector spinae block (ESB) with caudal block (CB)for control of postoperative pain in pediatric lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Material and methods: This study was conducted among 44 children posted for lower limb orthopedic surgeries. All the children were divided into two equal groups of 22 each. Both caudal block group and erector spinae plane block group received 0.25% bupivacaine (0.5 ml/Kg) each. Both US guided blocks were given after administration of anesthesia and before surgery. Results: Pain scores at 4h, 6 h and 8 h were significantly less in group ESB compared to CB group. The number of children who required intraoperative paracetamol (as rescue analgesic) was more in CB group compared to ESB group. Group ESB provided prolonged postoperative analgesia compared to CB group. Conclusion: US guided ESB provided better intra and post operative analgesia compared to caudal block in pediatric lower limb orthopedic surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]