Fascia Iliaca Block for the Management of Pre-Operative Pain in Patients with Fracture Neck of Femur

Purpose: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of fascia iliaca block in the pre-operative management of pain in elderly patients with hip fractures. Methods: The block was administered to 50 patients (mean age 84.7 years range 75 to 95.2 years,) 12 hours after hospital admission, so each subject could act as their own control. A visual analogue scale pain score was recorded immediately before and 30 minutes after the block. The dose of injectable opiates required by patients in the 12 hours preceding and following the block was recorded. All patients were closely monitored for an hour after the block to detect any complications. Results: The block resulted in a statistically significant reduction in pain scores (p 0.001). Three patients required injectable opiates within 12 hours of the block. There were no complications. Conclusions: The fascia iliaca block appears a safe and efficacious method of managing pain in these patients. Not requiring the patient to be repositioned, this technique avoids considerable discomfort that may otherwise be experienced during alternate blocks. This technique can be used in repeated doses via the catheter pre and postoperatively.