Efficacy of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty

Objective To investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.Methods Thirty-six ASA Ⅰ-Ⅲ patients aged 54-82 yr weighing 48-72 kg undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomly divided into 2 groups (n =18 each): normal saline group(group NS)and ropivacaine group (group R).Ultrasound-guided FICB was performed within 30 min after operation.Group R received 0.25 ％ ropivacaine 30 ml,while the equal volume of normal saline was used instead of ropivacaine in group NS.All patients received PCIA with 0.01 mg/ml fentanyl after FICB.PCIA included a bolus dose of 2 ml with a 15 min lockout interval and no background infusion.Pain at rest was evaluated using VAS (RVAS) score before FICB (T0 ）and at 3 h(T1 ),6 h(T2 ),8 h(T3 ),12 h(T4 ),24 h(T5 ),48 h(T6 )and 72 h(T7 )after FICB.The passive exercise VAS (PVAS) score at T4-6,T7 and active exercise VAS (AVAS) score at T5-7 were recorded.The consumption of fentanyl at 0-12 h,12-24 h、24-48 h and 48-72 h after FICB and the adverse effects were also recorded.Results Compared with group NS,RVAS score,PVAS score,AVAS score and the consumption of fentanyl were significantly decreased in group R.There was no significant difference in the adverse effects between the two groups.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided FICB can provide better postoperative analgesia with little adverse effects in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Key words: Fascia;  Nerve block;  Ultrasonography;  Arthroplasty, hip, replacement;  Analgesia