Journal of Anesthesiology and Pain

Background and aims: The patients with fractures of femoral shafts have severe and
vigorous pain which limit their lateral positioning to perform spinal anesthesia. To detect an
appropriate resolve for decreasing their pain, we decided to compare facia iliaca block and iv
fentanyl injection.
Materials and Method: This study was performed as a randomized single blind sequential
clinical trial. Prior to spinal anesthesia, pain score evaluated through visual analogue scale (VAS)
[from 0 to 10] after that, patients randomly divided in to two groups, 10 members in each group.
In the first group patients received 1.5 mg/kg fentanyl intravenously. Once their condition was
suitable to achieve the position, VAS again assessed. In second group after facia iliaca block
(20ml lidocaine 2%) VAS evaluated, and then the patients positioned laterally to perform spinal
anesthesia.
Results: This study showed that the time for painless lateral positioning in group fascia iliaca
block was shorter than group iv fentanyl.
VAS score for fascia iliaca block group was lower than iv fentanyl group. The entire
information mentioned earlier was analytically significant (P<0.05) and showed satisfactory
consequences.
Conclusion: In respect to this study, fascia iliaca block is reliable and safe and it is feasible to
perform in all stages of accidents.