Cadaveric study of the ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block over the transverse process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra in dogs: Transversal vs longitudinal approach

Herrera-Linares, M E; Rico-Pérez, B; Yaffy, D; Fernández-Parra, R; Llanos, C; Parra-Martínez, C; Herrera-Gutiérrez, M E; Sanchis-Mora, S

Abstract

This study describes a transversal (TV) ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block technique over the transverse process of T12. And evaluates the distribution of the dye and affected nerves branches compared to a longitudinal (LNG) approach over the transverse process of T12 in canine cadavers. Secondly, it also compares de anatomy and dimensions of the transverse processes of T12 with T9 and T5. For this double-masked, cadaveric experimental study, 12 adult Beagle cadavers were injected with 0.6 mL/kg of dye/contrast. Spread was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and dissection. Mean bodyweight was 9.76 (±0.59) kg. The TV and LNG approaches stained a median (range) of four (2-6) and three (1-6) medial branches of the dorsal rami of the spinal nerves, three (2-6) and three (2-5) lateral branches, and one (0 3) and one (0 4) ventral branches, respectively. Dye was detected in the epidural space in 55.6% and 66.7% of cases for the TV and LNG approaches, respectively (P=0.63). And in the ventral para-vertebral compartment in 22.2% and lymphatics in 88.8% in both approaches. There were no statistical differences for the spread. The dorsolateral edge of the transverse process (TP) was not visible with CT at T12. The mean (±SD) length of the TP was significantly shorter at T12 [3.34 (±0.22)] mm, compared to T9 [6.08 (±0.47)] mm and T5 [5.93 (±0.62)] mm (P <0.001). This study showed similar distribution whether using a TV or LNG approach and differences in the anatomy and length of the T12 TP.

Citation

Herrera-Linares, M. E., Rico-Pérez, B., Yaffy, D., Fernández-Parra, R., Llanos, C., Parra-Martínez, C., Herrera-Gutiérrez, M. E., & Sanchis-Mora, S. (2024). Cadaveric study of the ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block over the transverse process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra in dogs: Transversal vs longitudinal approach. The Veterinary Journal, 304, 106094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106094

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 4, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 5, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-04
• Deposit Date: Jul 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 17, 2024
• Journal: The Veterinary Journal
• Print ISSN: 1090-0233
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 304
• Pages: 106094
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106094