Effects of Collaborative Care and Multimodal Analgesia with Nerve Blocks on Recovery in Elderly Patients with Hip Fractures

Abstract

Hip fractures in elderly patients present significant challenges in pain management and postoperative recovery. Conventional opioid-based analgesia, while commonly used, has limitations such as adverse effects and delayed rehabilitation. In response, a collaborative care approach involving multidisciplinary teams and multimodal analgesia with nerve blocks has been proposed to enhance recovery outcomes in this vulnerable population. This narrative review aimed to investigate the effects of collaborative care and multimodal analgesia with nerve blocks in improving postoperative outcomes for elderly patients with hip fractures. We conducted thorough research using multiple databases from 2000 to February 2024, such as PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science. We summarized the findings from 97 papers, which included clinical trials, review articles, observational studies, case reports, and meta-analyses that specifically addressed elderly patients with hip fractures. The review highlighted the effects of collaborative care and multimodal analgesia with nerve blocks in elderly patients with hip fractures. Collaborative care involving multidisciplinary teams and nerve blocks showed promise in reducing opioid requirements, enhancing pain control, expediting recovery, potentially lowering mortality rates, and decreasing postoperative complications. Conclusion: The integration of collaborative care and multimodal analgesia with nerve blocks holds substantial promise in optimizing recovery outcomes for elderly patients with hip fractures. Further research is warranted to refine these strategies and explore their long-term benefits for patient well-being.