Analgesic Effect of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block in Geriatric Patients With Hip Fracture

As population in Hong Kong is aging, incidence of geriatrics hip fractures rises. Operative treatment for selective patients offers pain control, early mobilization and reduction in medical morbidities and mortalities. Research has shown that the pain from hip fracture left untreated may have significant physical and psychological effects on the patient, precipitating delirium, especially in elderly patients with hip fractures, and may delay operative management and may complicate hospital stay. Studies report that the pain management for limb fractures in the elderly is hugely sub-optimal with some suggesting that only 2% receive adequate analgesia. Adequate analgesia before definitive treatment of hip fracture may improve mobilization and cognitive performance. As a part of multi-modal pain management, Fascia iliaca compartment block is being increasingly popular as a simple, safe and effective regional technique for patients with hip fractures and proximal femoral shaft fractures, providing consistent analgesic effect for hip fracture patients, irrespective of the performing doctor\'s experience. This study aims to provide high level local evidence of the effect and efficacy of the fascia iliaca compartment block in preoperative pain control for patients with hip fracture admitted to Orthopaedic and Traumatology ward in United Christian Hospital.