Pain Research & Management

Having investigated the efficacy, feasibility, safety and cost omplications of using the little known fascia iliaca compartment block” as a method of pain relief, the Pain Management Team at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital pioneered a nurseledservice, providing effective longacting

painrelief in the preoperativeperiod, for patients who had sustained a fractured neck of femur;consequently improving their quality of life by reducing pain and the additional complications such as chest infection, pressures sored and deep vein thrombosis, due to a lack of mobility whilst

awaiting surgery. Fractured neck of femur is a serious and costly injury affecting a mainly elderly population, which causes considerable pain when untreated or undertreated.The fascia iliaca compartment block for

pain relief, provides an additional margin of safety because the needle is inserted distally to the femoral neurovascular bundle. It was felt therefore that nonmedical personnel could be taught to perform the block, enabling more patients to benefit from improved pain management and a

reduction in the concurrent use of systemic opioids; thereby decreasing the incidence of opioid induced confusion in the target group and facilitating better nursing care. Specialist nurses were given the requisite training in patient selection, consent, performing the block and the management of possible complications.