Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block For Analgesia After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Introduction Fascia Iliaca compartment block (FICB) is commonly used to treat pain in patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA) despite the lack of RCTs to evaluate the efficacy of FICB for this indication. Therefore the objective of this study was to assess the analgesic benefit of FICB for post-operative pain management in THA. Methods After IRB approval and informed consent, patients having THA at our center in the period 2010-2011 were recruited. Eligible patients were adults, ASA physical status I-III, and BMI \ 3 on the NRS-11 despite IVPCA were randomized by the method of sealed envelopes to receive US guided injections of 30ml 0.5% ropivacaine (FICB) or 30ml 0.9% NaCl (sham block, SB) beneath the fascia iliaca. The primary outcome variable was opioid analgesic consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were pain intensity (NRS-11) and extent of sensory blockade.