Rhomboid intercostal block for scapulothoracic arthrodesis

Abstract

To the editor, Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) procedure involves the medial border of the scapula as well as 2nd-7th ribs. Rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) is a recent interfascial plane block described by Elsharkawy et al. [1] It has been described in the literature as an effective method for providing postoperative analgesia for surgeries of the breast and the thorax [2] The extension of the local anesthetic has been described as T3 and T8 dermatomes [1]. In this letter, we would like to report successful analgesia using RIB in a patient with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHMD) undergoing scapulothoracic arthrodesis.