418PSafety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided nerve block in muscle biopsy

Abstract

While local anesthesia remains standard for muscle biopsies, it often inadequately controls procedural pain. General and spinal anesthesia carry risks in neuromuscular disorders. Ultrasound-guided nerve block may reduce the risk of anesthetic complications and pain during muscle biopsy. We aimed to evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided nerve block during muscle biopsy procedures. We analyzed ten consecutive cases undergoing muscle biopsy with ultrasound-guided nerve block from April 2022 to April 2024. Data included biopsy site, nerve block location, anesthetic agent type, anesthetic dose, procedure timeline (block-to-biopsy interval, biopsy duration), pain assessment, and anesthetic complications. Brachial plexus block was selected for 6 patients with biceps brachii biopsy, and femoral nerve block for 4 patients with quadriceps biopsy. Anesthetics were 1% lidocaine (Xylocaine) in 9/10 patients. The mean time from block to biopsy was 15.0 minutes. No complications such as nerve injury, vascular injury, or infection occurred. Only 2/10 patients reported pain during muscle biopsy (Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores: 3/10 and 4/10). Ultrasound-guided nerve block appears safe and effective for pain control during muscle biopsy, with 80% complete analgesia and no adverse events. Study limitations include a small sample size; larger trials are needed to establish optimal protocols.

Publication
Neuromuscular Disorders

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