Impact of Fascia Iliaca Block in Hip Fracture Patients

Regional anesthesia is an important element of multimodal pain control regimen for surgical patients. Recently, regional anesthesia using a fascia iliaca block (FIB) to help treat pain in patients who present with hip fractures has been gaining popularity and has been incorporated as part of a multi-modal pain control protocol in many centers. It is commonly offered in addition to oral and intravenous medications to help patients deal with pain in the perioperative period. The block is done by an anesthesiologist under anesthesia using ultrasound guidance. We propose a prospective, randomized study evaluating the efficacy of the FIB as an adjunct in the pre-operative or postoperative period for pain control as measured by visual analog scale (VAS) scores and morphine equivalent dosing (MED), as well as its efficacy in promoting patient participation in physical therapy postoperatively in patients who present with hip fractures. We hypothesize that those patients who receive FIBs will report lower VAS scores as well as decreased narcotic requirement at all time points; and have improved participation in therapy when measured by ambulation distance.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with femoral neck and intertrochanteric hip fractures
• At least 18 years of age
• Require operative management

Exclusion criteria

• Poly-trauma patients
• Pathologic fractures
• Patient who required revision procedures
• Patients with chronic opioid use
• Patients with a clinical status that precludes verbal pain assessment such as dementia, head injuries, and unwillingness to participate.