Erector spinae plane block

The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is an ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique being evaluated by Medipol University for the management of postoperative pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The procedure involves the injection of a local anesthetic, typically bupivacaine, into the fascial plane deep to the erector spinae muscle and superficial to the thoracic transverse processes (commonly at the T2 level). This technique allows the anesthetic to diffuse into the paravertebral and intercostal spaces, where it blocks the dorsal and ventral rami of the spinal nerves to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia. ESPB is being studied as a potentially safer alternative to traditional brachial plexus blocks, such as the interscalene block, as it may reduce the risk of complications like phrenic nerve palsy while providing effective pain relief and reducing the need for rescue opioids.

Other names

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block