Comparison of femoral nerve block and fascia iliaca block for analgesia following reconstructive knee surgery in adolescents

Study ObjectiveTo compare the femoral nerve block with the fascia iliaca block for postoperative analgesia in adolescents undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.DesignRandomized, single-blinded study.SettingFull-service pediatric medical center.Patients23 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 8 to 16 years, undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair.InterventionsPatients received either fascia iliaca or femoral nerve block prior to reconstructive surgery.MeasurementsPain scores by visual analog scale (VAS; 0-10) and morphine use were routinely recorded through to discharge from the hospital. Pain scores were assessed on days 1 and 2 at home post-discharge.Main resultsThere was no difference between the femoral nerve block and the fascia iliaca nerve block in VAS pain scores or postoperative morphine consumption.ConclusionEither the femoral nerve block or the fascia iliaca block, followed by patient-controlled analgesia with morphine, provides efficacious analgesia for adolescents undergoing ACL reconstruction.