Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block and Quadriceps Strength: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

The decrease in quadriceps strength after anterior quadratus lumborum block (AQLB) has not been quantified. This prospective cohort study investigated the incidence of quadriceps weakness after AQLB. We enrolled patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, and AQLB was performed at the L2 level with 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine. We evaluated each quadriceps' maximal voluntary isometric contraction using a handheld dynamometer preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 and 4 days. The incidence of muscle weakness was defined as a 25% reduction in muscle strength compared with the preoperative baseline, and "muscle weakness possibly caused by nerve block" was defined as a 25% reduction compared with the non-block side. We also assessed the numerical rating scale and quality of recovery-15 scores. Thirty participants were analyzed. The incidence of muscle weakness compared with preoperative baseline and the non-block side was 13.3% and 30.0%, respectively. Patients with a numerical rating scale ≥ 4 or quality of recovery-15 score < 122, which was classified as moderate or poor, had decreased muscle strength with relative risks of 1.75 and 2.33, respectively. All patients ambulated within 24 h after surgery. The incidence of quadriceps weakness possibly caused by nerve block was 13.3%; however, all patients could ambulate after 1 day.