Clinical Research Directory

Evaluating the Efficacy of the Sub-psoas Fascial Plane Block for Post-operative Analgesia Following Hemiarthroplasty

Sponsor: University College Hospital Galway

Summary

The study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of an ultrasound-guided regional anaesthetic technique intended to provide pain relief following hip surgery. It involves targeting a layer of tissue known as the psoas fascia, where the nerves of the lumbar plexus, supplying the lower limb, are located. There are many well-established ultrasound-guided techniques that target similar anatomical planes and structures, such as the psoas compartment block and quadratus lumborum plane block, which are widely used in clinical practice. This is not a new technique but rather a new approach to a well-established and utilized technique (the psoas compartment block). Early remobilisation plays a key role in the recovery of post-operative patients, helping to reduce the incidence of pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and delirium. By reducing motor weakness while still providing adequate pain relief and minimizing the use of strong painkillers such as morphine, it will help to reduce the risk of falls and length of hospital stay. An initial case series in GUH has previously followed a small cohort of patients who, following informed consent, underwent the subpsoas fascia plane (SPF) block vs. suprainguinal fascia iliaca block as part of their multimodal pain relief following surgery. It was found that in this group there was a reduction in postoperative pain scores, decreased use of strong painkillers, and earlier time to remobilisation.

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