Chinese expert consensus on thoracolumbar interfascial plane block (2025 edition)

Abstract The thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block is a relatively new fascial plane block technique. It involves the injection of local anesthetic into the interfascial plane between the multifidus and longissimus muscles or between the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles in the lumbar region. This approach achieves analgesia by blocking the dorsal rami of the thoracolumbar spinal nerves and their branches that traverse these fascial layers. The TLIP block has been effectively applied in perioperative pain management for spinal surgery and in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. This expert consensus systematically reviews the anatomical basis, blocking techniques, distribution of blockade, choice of local anesthetics, potential complications, and clinical applications of TLIP block, providing evidence-based guidance for its safe and effective clinical use. Practice guideline registration Practice Guideline Registration for Transparency (PREPARE-2025CN203).