Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block versus quadratus lumborum block for perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing hip surgery. A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures are common orthopaedic fractures, especially in old age, and they represent a life-threatening condition requiring surgical intervention. In this study, we aimed to compare 2 regional techniques used to decrease perioperative pain. METHODS: In this parallel group randomized controlled clinical trial we enrolled 68 patients from both sexes scheduled for hip surgery after femoral neck fractures. The patients were randomly allocated to 2 equal groups with one receiving ultrasound- guided supra-inguinal fascia iliaca block (FIB) and the other receiving ultrasound- guided anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB). Our primary outcome was the duration of postoperative analgesia. The secondary outcome was measuring the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during patient positioning while applying the neuraxial block, the total analgesic requirement in the postoperative period, patient satisfaction in the postoperative period, and the frequency of adverse effects. RESULTS: The group receiving supra-inguinal FIB had a significantly longer time of postoperative analgesia 18 (4–24), compared to the group receiving anterior QLB 2 (1–24), P = 0.005. They consumed less morphine throughout 24 hours postoperatively, 5.3 ± 0.9 mg compared to 6.9 ± 1.87 mg (95% CI: 6.45–3.92, P = 0.008), and they showed less pain during positioning for spinal anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Supra-inguinal FIB provides prolonged postoperative analgesia compared to anterior QLB in patients undergoing hip surgery. It was associated with less pain during positioning in spinal anaesthesia and decreased total morphine consumption.