Importance of preoperative guided ultrasound in patients with femoral fracture: case report

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to represent the role of the use of bedside ultrasound by the anesthesiologist, offering an individualized approach to the specific condition of the patient, without unnecessary postponement of femur fracture surgical repair in the elderly. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 86 years old, hypertensive, victim of trochanteric fracture of the femur, taken to the operating room after being released by cardiology service. A bedside ultrasound exam allowed the identification of aortic stenosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, carotid stenosis, and signs of hypovolemia. From these findings, it was decided to use an ultrasound-guided block of the nerves femoral and lateral cutaneous of the thigh as an anesthetic technique. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasound guidance by the anesthesiologist can provide relevant information for individualizing the anesthetic technique, without postponing the surgical intervention, which usually occurs when the patient is referred for complete examination by the specialist.