Review of Current Practices of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Hip Fracture and Surgery

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This article aims to describe the anatomical and technical aspects of various regional techniques used for fracture hip and hip surgery. We reviewed the commonly used nerve blocks, interfascial plane blocks and current evidence of their utility in hip fracture patients. Recent Findings: Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) and femoral nerve block (FNB) are the most commonly used nerve blocks for providing pain relief for hip fracture patients. Supra-inguinal FICB has more consistent spread to all nerves and can enable better pain control. Both the FICB and FNB have shown analgesic efficacy with reduced pain scores, opioid sparing effect, and they enable better patient positioning for spinal in the operating room. These nerve blocks in the elderly patients can also have beneficial effects on delirium, reduced hospital length of stay, and decreased incidence of pneumonia. Some of the novel interfascial plane blocks like PEricapsular Nerve Group (PENG) blocks are now being explored to provide pain relief for fracture hip. Summary: Hip fracture in the elderly has associated morbidity and mortality. Early surgical intervention has shown to reduce morbidity and mortality. Pain management in this elderly population poses a unique challenge and complementing with regional anesthesia for analgesia has shown numerous benefits.