A Clinical Focus Review on quadratus lumborum block published in the February 2019 issue cites seven case reports by Hironobu Ueshima:
Reference 17: Ueshima H, Yoshiyama S, Otake H: The ultrasound-guided continuous transmuscular quadratus lumborum block is an effective analgesia for total hip arthroplasty. J Clin Anesth 2016; 31:35
Reference 43: Ueshima H, Otake H: Lower limb amputations performed with anterior quadratus lumborum block and sciatic nerve block. J Clin Anesth 2017; 37:145
Reference 50: Ueshima H, Hiroshi O: Intermittent bilateral anterior sub-costal quadratus lumborum block for effective analgesia in lower abdominal surgery. J Clin Anesth 2017; 43:65
Reference 51: Ueshima H, Otake H: Clinical experiences of unilateral anterior sub-costal quadratus lumborum block for a nephrectomy. J Clin Anesth 2018; 44:120
Reference 59: Ueshima H, Hiroshi O: Lumbar vertebra surgery performed with a bilateral posterior quadratus lumborum block. J Clin Anesth 2017; 41:61
Reference 66: Iwamitsu R, Ueshima H, Otake H: Intermittent bilateral posterior quadratus lumborum block was effective for pain management in lumbar spinal fusion. J Clin Anesth 2017; 42:16
Reference 67: Ueshima H, Hiroshi O: Incidence of lower-extremity muscle weakness after quadratus lumborum block. J Clin Anesth 2018; 44:104
The seven Ueshima citations were retracted in 2022. The authors of the February 2019 article reviewed the retracted papers as well as their own publication, and this is their statement:
“The Ueshima citations have no material impact on the content and conclusions of the review article. During the period (2017–2018) when the authors were compiling the relevant knowledge base for this review, there were widely diverging views on how quadratus lumborum block could potentially result in neural blockade. Therefore, as the title indicates, the content of the review article is focused on the relevant anatomy, mechanism of action, and technical considerations. The authors assign no importance (e.g., grade of evidence) to the Ueshima case reports; rather, all relevant case reports were included appropriate to the stage of evolution of a recently described regional analgesic technique.”
