Study of Peripheral Nerve Blocks Compared to No Nerve Blocks for Surgery on Lower Leg Fractures in Adults 50 and Older

What this Trial Is About

Lower leg fractures are particularly challenging for older adults because their bodies handle stress less effectively than younger individuals. This can lead to more complications, longer healing times, and a higher risk of death. Anesthesiologists use nerve blocks to manage pain during surgery and recovery, which may also provide benefits beyond pain relief. Previous studies in older adults with hip fractures suggest nerve blocks might reduce deaths and complications, but it is unclear if these benefits apply to other types of lower leg fractures. The study compares pre-incision peripheral nerve blocks with no nerve blocks in older adults undergoing surgery for lower extremity fractures. The nerve blocks involve injections of local anesthesia within two hours before surgery to numb the fracture and surgical area using ultrasound guidance. Participants in the control group will receive usual anesthesia care without nerve blocks. This pilot study aims to test the feasibility of recruiting patients, delivering assigned treatments, collecting data, and following the study procedures before a larger trial is conducted. Participants will be monitored for treatment adherence, data collection quality, and protocol compliance up to 30 days after randomization. The primary measures focus on enrollment feasibility, treatment allocation, refining data methods, and protocol adherence over 12 months. The study includes older adults with confirmed fractures in various lower leg bones who require surgical fixation. Participants or their representatives must provide informed consent, and follow-up compliance will be tracked during the study period.

Pre-Incision Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Lower Extremity Fracture Surgery in Older Adults