Comparison of the post-operative pain relief provided by the administration of either a femoral nerve block or fascia iliaca compartment block at one of two different doses in patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture

INTERVENTION: Patients will be randomised to four groups ‐ all blocks will be performed under ultrasound guidance: Group I: Fascia iliaca compartment block at a dose of 1 mg/kg levobupivacaine Group II: Fascia iliaca compartment block at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg levobupivacaine Group III: Femoral nerve block at a dose of 1 mg/kg levobupivacaine Group IV: Femoral nerve block at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg levobupivacaine After administration of the nerve block, all patients will receive spinal anaesthesia with surgery then continuing as normal. Added 09/08/2011: Trial closed early due to low recruitment ‐ 60 patients recruited in total. CONDITION: Fractured neck of femur ; Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning ; Fracture of femur PRIMARY OUTCOME: Comparison of post‐operative pain scores after one of two nerve blocks using one of two; doses of the local anaesthetic following operative repair of fractured neck of femur. A post‐operative assessment will be performed in the recovery room and at 4, 24 and 48 hours post‐procedure. Pain scores will also be recorded by nursing staff whilst assessing routine observations. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Assessed at 4, 24 and 48 hours post‐operatively:; 1. Incidence of motor blockade; 2. Post‐operative analgesia requirements and time to first request of post‐operative analgesia; 3. Ability to mobilise on the first post‐operative day; 4. Incidence of any adverse events; 5. One and three month mortality INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) class I ‐ III 2. Patients able to give written informed consent 3. Patients requiring operative repair of fractured neck of femur 4. Patients aged 18 years and over, either sex