Randomized controlled trial on analgesic effect of pre-operative fascia iliaca compartment block in geriatric patients with hip fracture

While most geriatric patients with hip fracture benefit from definitive operative treatment, pre-operative pain management is often overlooked. Conventional oral analgesics may provide suboptimal pain control, resulting in poor morbidity outcomes. Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) provides a more consistent analgesic effect. This study aims to provide high level local evidence on the effect of FICB in pre-operative pain control for these patients in Hong Kong. This study was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Mentally competent geriatric patients with acute fracture hip, admitted to United Christian Hospital, were recruited to receive pre-operative FICB. The procedure was carried out by landmark approach with addition of ultrasonography-guidance. They were randomized into intervention group (receiving 0.25% levobupivacaine), and control group (receiving normal saline as placebo). Numeric Rating Scale of pain score (at rest, and on gentle movement) at different time intervals, timing of injection, systemic analgesic use, complications, and demographics were compared. Total 80 patients were recruited from July 2019 to September 2021 and randomized into intervention and control groups. Two patients in intervention group and 1 in control group were withdrawn due to development of delirium. Demographics of both groups were comparable. Pain score at rest was significantly lower at 12 h after injection in intervention group (41.4% reduction, p = 0.03). Pain score upon gentle movement was significantly lower in intervention group at 1 h (p = 0.01), 12 h (28.9% reduction, p = 0.003) and 24 h after injection (p = 0.01). There was no complication from the procedure documented. Total systemic analgesic use was similar in both groups. FICB is an effective choice of pre-operative analgesia for geriatric hip fracture patients with good safety profile, especially in controlling pain induced by movement. It shall be considered as a routine practice for suitable patients.