Efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment block with dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for analgesia in patients suffering from proximal femoral fractures

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment block with dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for analgesia in the patients suffering from proximal femoral fractures.Methods Eighty emergency patients with proximal femoral fractures,aged 25-70yr,weighing 55-82 kg,of ASA physical status Ⅰ-[Ⅲ,were equally and randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table:ropivacaine group (group R) and dexmedetomidine mixed with ropivacaine group (group DR).All the patients underwent fascia iliaca compartment block described by Dalens.0.4％ ropivacaine 30 ml was injected in group R,and 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine 30 ml containing 0.4 ％ ropivacaine was injected in group DR.The severity of pain was assessed by VAS scores,and the level of sedation was assessed by Ramsay scores.At 30,60,90 and 120 min after injection (T1-4),VAS scores at rest and during activity were recorded,the effective analgesia (VAS scores at rest and during activity≤6) and satisfactory sedation (Ramsay scores 2-4) in group DR were also recorded,and the development of hemorrhage or hematoma at the puncture site,local anesthetic poisoning,adverse cardiovascular events and over-sedation was also recorded.Results Compared with group R,the rate of effective analgesia during activity was significantly increased at T2-4,and no significant change was found in the rate of effective analgesia at rest in group DR.In group DR,the rate of satisfactory sedation was 73 ％,88％,95％ and 95％ at T1-4,respectively,and no over-sedation occurred.No patients developed hemorrhage or hematoma at the puncture site,or local anesthetic poisoning in the two groups.Conclusion Fascia iliaca compartment block with 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with 4％ ropivacaine 30 ml can alleviate the early pain caused by passive activity without inducing obvious adverse reactions in the patients suffering from proximal femoral fractures. Key words: Dexmedetomidine ; Amides ; Nerve block ; Analgesia