Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Nerve Block With Pain Medication for Hip Fracture Pain Relief in Adults 20 and Older

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare pain control methods for patients with hip fractures in the emergency department. It evaluates ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks performed by emergency physicians against the usual use of pain medications like opioids or NSAIDs. The study focuses on how quickly pain relief is achieved, the amount of rescue pain medication needed, and patient satisfaction, while monitoring for adverse effects and complications. Participants receive either an ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block, where local anesthetic is injected around the femoral nerve using ultrasound, or traditional intravenous or intramuscular pain medications. The study uses a prospective before-and-after design, enrolling patients aged 20 and older who stay in the emergency department for at least two hours. Pain severity is assessed using a 0-10 numerical rating scale at 30-minute intervals. During the study, researchers measure pain relief within two hours after treatment, patient satisfaction, adverse effects, and complications related to nerve blocks up to one week after the procedure or hospital discharge. Pain scores are recorded every 30 minutes before and after pain management. The total participation time includes at least two hours in the emergency department with follow-up for complications after discharge.

Emergency Physician-performed Ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Blocks in Patients With Hip Fractures.