Ultrasound-guided rhomboid intercostal block versus erector spinae plane block for unilateral dorsal back myofascial pain syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) on pain, disability, quality of life and patient satisfaction in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled double-blind study, 60 patients with a diagnosis of MPS were randomized into two groups. In group ESPB (N.=30), US-guided ESPB was performed, and in group RIB (N.=30), US-guided RIB was performed. The pain severity of the patients was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale before treatment, and immediately after the intervention, on the first day, and one, two, four and six weeks after the intervention. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) for health-related Quality of Life, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and patient satisfaction were evaluated before treatment and six weeks after treatment.

Results: In both groups, significant improvements were observed in all parameters during the six-week follow-up period compared to pretreatment values (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups for any parameters at any time interval.

Conclusions: This study showed that ESPB and RIB blocks are effective techniques for pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with MPS. We suggest that the interfascial space can be useful in the administration of analgesic agents for the treatment of MPS.