The Effect of Femoral Nerve Block on Opioid Requirements After Surgery for a Femur Fracture in Children

The Effect of Femoral Nerve Block on Opioid Requirements Following Femoral Fracture Fixation With Flexible Nails in the Paediatric Population: A Double Blind, Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

This study evaluates the effect of a femoral nerve block on opioid requirements following femoral fracture fixation with flexible nails in the paediatric population. This is a double blind, prospective randomized clinical trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Femoral shaft fracture requiring intra-medullary nailing
• Surgery performed within 24 hours of injury
• Ability of child or family to use patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
• No allergy or sensitivity to bupivacaine
• Informed consent and assent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Open femur fractures
• Closed fractures needing open reduction
• Fractures associated with neurovascular complications
• Fractures associated with compartment syndrome
• Repeat femoral surgeries
• Patients who received a femoral nerve block more than 1 hour prior to surgery
• Complex associated injuries or pre-existing condition that will delay time to ambulation
• Children who are allergic and/or sensitive to bupivacaine