The Analgesic Efficacy of Different Techniques Surrounding Regional Anesthesia of the Lumbar Plexus and its Terminal Branches for Hip Fracture Surgeries
Authors: Mosleh-Shirazi Abnoos , O’Donnell Brian 
Published: June 2022

Background

Research is limited in comparing the analgesic efficacy of the various types of blocks with one another for hip fracture surgeries. Due to the rapid pace in the development of these new techniques in blocking the lumbar plexus and its terminal branches, uncertainty exists in literature and in practice regarding the definition and efficacy of one technique in comparison to another.

Objectives

(1) To write a narrative description of regional anesthesia approaches to the lumbar plexus and associated terminal branches; (2) To do a systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles regarding the analgesic efficacy of regional anesthesia in the context of hip fracture and hip fracture surgery.

Questions

(1) Does regional anesthesia of the lumbar plexus and its terminal branches enhance analgesic outcomes following hip fracture and hip fracture surgery? (2) Does the evidence point toward one techniques superiority over another? (3) Does evidence show a necessity for a nerve block over the use of opioid analgesics?

Search methods

Six databases: EMBASE, PUBMED, SCOPUS, EBSCO (CINAHL and MEDLINE), WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE LIBRARY were searched on October 12th, 2020.

Search criteria

Studies were selected based on inclusion of: Study Design: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), Population: Adults (18+ years) undergoing hip fracture surgery, Intervention: FNB, FICB, PCB and/or PENG block, Comparison: Another intervention of interest, Placebo, Non-intervention, Systemic analgesics (Opioids, NSAIDs, Paracetamol), Outcome: Analgesic efficacy (Pain scores measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) or Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)). Studies were excluded if: Unavailable in full-text, non-human studies, Not RCT, Surgery unrelated to hip fracture.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers extracted all relevant data from the full text versions of eligible studies using a predefined data extraction form. Study characteristics included: author, publication year, study design, sample size, inclusion and exclusion criteria, type of intervention and control, statistical analysis, outcome data, and authors’ main conclusions.

Risk of bias in individual studies assessed by two reviewers based on criteria adapted from the Cochrane ‘Risk of Bias’ assessment tool. High-risk studies were excluded.

Main results

1. FICB vs Opioid: pain scores at rest at 24h were lower in the FICB group (-0.79 [-1.34, - 0.24], P= 0.005). Pain scores on movement at 12h were lower in the FICB group (-1.91 [-2.5, -1.3], P<0.00001). No difference between groups in other times. 2. FNB vs Opioid: Initial pain scores at rest were lower in FNB (-0.58 [-0.104, -0.12], P=0.01). 3. FICB vs FNB: No difference between groups at rest. Pain scores on movement: initial scores following block, and at 24 hours were lower in the FNB group (initial: 0.53 [0.21, 0.86], P=0.001, 24 h: 0.61 [0.29, 0.94], P=0.0002, results not estimable for 12h (not enough data)).

Authors’ conclusions

Both femoral nerve block and fascia iliaca compartment block enhance analgesic outcomes following hip fracture and hip fracture surgery, superior to the use of systemic analgesics such as opioids. FNB may be more efficacious at reducing pain following hip fracture surgery when compared to FICB.