The effect of fascia iliaca block on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Fascia iliaca compartment block for postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is one of the regional nerve blocks used to reduce pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We aim to assess the efficacy of FICB in reducing post-operative pain and opioid consumption.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus on February 19, 2023, and we updated our search in august 2023 using relevant search strategy. Studies were extensively screened for eligibility by title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening. We extracted the data from the included studies, and then pooled the data as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using Review Manager Software (ver. 3.5).

RESULTS

FIBC significantly reduced analgesic consumption at 24 h (MD = -8.75, 95% CI [-9.62, -7.88] P < 0.00001), and at 48 h post-operatively. (MD = -15.51, 95% CI [-26.45, -4.57], P = 0.005), with a significant sensory block of the femoral nerve (P = 0.0004), obturator nerve (P = 0.0009), and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (P = 0.002). However, FICB was not associated with a significant pain relief at 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, except at 12 h where it significantly reduced pain intensity (MD = -0.49, 95% CI [-0.85, -0.12], P = 0.008). FICB was also not effective in reducing post-operative nausea and vomiting (MD = 0.55, 95% CI [0.21, 1.45], P = 0.23), and was associated with high rates of quadriceps muscle weakness (OR = 9.09, % CI [3.70, 22.30], P = < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

FICB significantly reduces the total analgesic consumption up to 48 h; however, it is not effective in reducing post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting and it induced postoperative muscle weakness.

Peripheral nerve-blocks and associations with length of stay and readmissions in fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) have recently been recommended in total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty as they may reduce pain, morphine consumption, length of stay (LOS) and complications. However, whether PNBs are associated with early discharge within an enhanced recovery protocol including multimodal analgesia is uncertain.

METHODS

An observational multicenter study from January to August 2017 in six Danish Arthroplasty Centers with established fast-track protocols. Prospective recording of preoperative characteristics and information on PNB, LOS and readmissions through the Danish National Patient Registry and medical records. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate associations between PNB and a LOS >1 day, LOS >4 days, and 30-days readmissions. We also reported on mobilization, pain, opioid and fall-related complications leading to LOS >4 days or readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 2027 (58.6%) THA and 1432 (41.4%) TKAs with a median LOS of 1 day (IQR 1-2) and 5.3% (CI:4.6-6.1) 30-days readmission rate were identified. PNB was used in 40.7% (CI:38.2-43.3) of TKA and 2.7% (CI:2.0-3.5) of THA, but with considerable interdepartmental variation (0.0-89.0% for TKA). There was no association between PNB and LOS >1 day (OR:1.19 CI:0.82-1.72; p = .354), LOS >4 days (OR:1.4 CI:0.68-2.89; p = .359) or 30-days readmissions (OR:1.02 CI:0.63-1.65; p = .935) in TKA. Logistic regression in THA was not possible due to limited use of PNB. In TKA there were 12 (2.1% CI:1.2-3.6) with and 1 (0.1% CI:0.02-0.7) without a PNB, who had mobilization, pain or opioid-related complications, and 5 (0.9% CI:0.4-2.0) versus 4 (0.5% CI:0.2-1.2) who fell. Correspondingly, 2 (3.7% CI:1.0-12.6) and 11 (0.6% CI:0.3-1.0) of THA patients had these complications, while 0 (0.0% CI:0.0-6.6) and 17 (0.8% CI:0.5-1.3) fell.

CONCLUSION

Routine use of peripheral nerve blocks was not associated with early discharge or 30-days readmissions in fast-track THA and TKA. Future studies should focus on benefits of PNB in high-risk patients.

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliac Compartment Block with Nalbuphine and Ropivacaine on Preoperative Pain in Older Patients with Hip Fractures: A Multicenter, Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Pain management for older patients with hip fractures is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided fascia iliac compartment block (UGFICB) using different doses of nalbuphine in combination with ropivacaine on preoperative analgesia in older patients with hip fractures.

METHODS

In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 280 elderly patients with hip fracture were randomly allocated into four UGFICB groups (n = 70 in each group): a ropivacaine group (30 mL 0.1% ropivacaine + 0.9% normal saline) and three ropivacaine plus nalbuphine groups (5, 10, and 20 mg nalbuphine, respectively). The primary outcomes were the duration of analgesia at rest and on passive movement. Secondary outcomes included sensory block area, side effects, and vital signs. The doses of rescue analgesia with parecoxib sodium were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The addition of nalbuphine dose-dependently increased the duration of analgesia at rest and on passive movement (P < 0.05) and expanded the area of sensory block (P < 0.05). Compared with the ropivacaine group, the pain scores at rest and on movement at 6 and 8 h after the block were lower in three ropivacaine plus nalbuphine groups (P < 0.05), without between-group differences at 2, 4, and 12 h. The four groups had comparable side effects (nausea and vomiting) and vital signs (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

UGFICB with 5, 10, and 20 mg nalbuphine added to ropivacaine prolonged the analgesia duration, increased sensory block area, reduced pain, and decreased the doses of rescue parecoxib sodium for older patients after hip fracture, without obvious side effects. Among these three doses, nalbuphine 20 mg in combination with ropivacaine provided the longest duration of analgesia and the largest sensory block area.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000029934).

Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block versus Infrainguinal Fascia Iliaca Nerve Block for Patients Undergoing Elective Hip Replacement: A Double-blinded, Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

Transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block has been described as an effective option for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing hip replacement with single injection described as providing analgesia for up to 24 h. We hypothesize that a TQL block, when compared to fascia iliaca block (FIB), will provide better analgesia and less motor block in the initial 24-h postoperative period.

Patients and Methods

Fifty patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery, ASA I–III, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Patients in group A received spinal anesthesia followed by FIB. Patients in group B received spinal anesthesia followed by TQLB. Postoperative pain scores and motor block were assessed at 6 and 24 hours. The primary outcome measure was 24 h total morphine consumption. Secondary outcome measures included pain score (VNS) and motor block (modified Bromage scale) at 6 and 24 h postoperatively.

Results

There was no statistical difference in morphine consumption between the two groups (p-value 0.699). There was no difference in pain scores at 6 h (p-value 0.540) or 24 h (p-value 0.383). There was no difference in motor block at 6 h (p-value 0.497) or at 24 h (p-value 0.773).

Conclusion

Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block along with spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery does not reduce opioid consumption or motor weakness when compared to fascia iliaca block. The results and conclusion apply to a dose of 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine used in each group.