Ultrasound Guided Supra-Inguinal Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Vs Femoral Nerve Block for Analgesia Management of Hip Fracture Patients in Emergency Department

Introduction: Hip fractures cause severe pain, especially in elderly patients, making effective pain management crucial in the emergency setting. Regional anesthesia techniques are increasingly used to reduce opioid requirements and improve analgesia. However, the comparative efficacy of supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (SFIB) versus femoral nerve block (FB) remains unclear. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized study included patients aged 18 years or older with radiologically confirmed proximal hip fractures. Patients were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided SFIB or FB. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline and at 20 minutes, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after the block. Opioid consumption, additional analgesic use, and adverse events were recorded. Results: A total of 48 patients were included (SFIB: 27, FB: 21). Baseline NRS scores were similar between the groups. The onset time of the block was shorter in the SFIB group (p