US Guided Fascia Iliaca Block versus Femoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia for Patient Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

otal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is common surgical procedure for treatment of the degenerative disorders and traumatic diseases. However, a majority of patients often experience moderate to severe postoperative pain after TKA. Postoperative pain control has a significant impact on earlier ambulation, initiation of physiotherapy, and better functional recovery. In addition, effective pain control would lower the length of hospital stay and the risk of thrombotic events which improves patients’ satisfaction. The fascia iliaca compartment and femoral nerve block performed by landmark technique are inexpensive, safe and easy to perform. They deliver effective pain relief whilst avoiding the undesirable side-effects of certain other forms of analgesia. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of fascia iliaca block versus femoral nerve block on post operative analgesia in patients undergoing TKA. After approval of anesthesiology department scientific and ethical committees in Ain Shams University Hospitals, patients were included in the study, and were divided into two groups (n=35; each); FICB group and FNB group.