Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliac Compartment Block with Nalbuphine and Ropivacaine on Preoperative Pain in Older Patients with Hip Fractures: A Multicenter, Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction Pain management for older patients with hip fractures is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided fascia iliac compartment block (UGFICB) using different doses of nalbuphine in combination with ropivacaine on preoperative analgesia in older patients with hip fractures. Methods In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 280 elderly patients with hip fracture were randomly allocated into four UGFICB groups ( n = 70 in each group): a ropivacaine group (30 mL 0.1% ropivacaine + 0.9% normal saline) and three ropivacaine plus nalbuphine groups (5, 10, and 20 mg nalbuphine, respectively). The primary outcomes were the duration of analgesia at rest and on passive movement. Secondary outcomes included sensory block area, side effects, and vital signs. The doses of rescue analgesia with parecoxib sodium were also analyzed. Results The addition of nalbuphine dose-dependently increased the duration of analgesia at rest and on passive movement ( P < 0.05) and expanded the area of sensory block ( P < 0.05). Compared with the ropivacaine group, the pain scores at rest and on movement at 6 and 8 h after the block were lower in three ropivacaine plus nalbuphine groups ( P < 0.05), without between-group differences at 2, 4, and 12 h. The four groups had comparable side effects (nausea and vomiting) and vital signs ( P > 0.05). Conclusions UGFICB with 5, 10, and 20 mg nalbuphine added to ropivacaine prolonged the analgesia duration, increased sensory block area, reduced pain, and decreased the doses of rescue parecoxib sodium for older patients after hip fracture, without obvious side effects. Among these three doses, nalbuphine 20 mg in combination with ropivacaine provided the longest duration of analgesia and the largest sensory block area. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000029934).

Comparative effectiveness of pericapsular nerve group block versus fascia iliac compartment block on postoperative wound pain management in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Additionally, FICB may lead to an increased use of opioids due to its variable effectiveness in pain control, which can further complicate the postoperative recovery due to opioid-related side effects. 8,9 The primary concern is its potential to decrease motor strength at the surgical site. This reduction in motor strength can significantly hinder the patient's ability to perform early postoperative activities, possibly delaying the recovery process and extending the duration of hospitalization.…”

“…The latter is particularly concerning as it may impair the patient's ability to engage in early postoperative activities, potentially delaying the recovery process and extending the duration of hospitalization. Additionally, FICB may lead to an increased use of opioids due to its variable effectiveness in pain control, which can further complicate the postoperative recovery due to opioid‐related side effects 8,9 . The primary concern is its potential to decrease motor strength at the surgical site.…”