Journal of orthopaedics and traumatology : official journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Fascia iliaca block prophylaxis for hip fracture patients at risk for delirium: a randomized placebo-controlled study.
Recent studies have indicated that unmanaged pain, both acute and chronic, can affect mental status and might precipitate delirium, especially in elderly patients with hip fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) for prevention of perioperative delirium in hip surgery patients who were at intermediate or high risk for this complication. ⋯ No significant difference was found among high-risk patients between FICB prophylaxis and placebo groups in terms of delirium incidence. However, FICB prophylaxis significantly prevented delirium occurrence in intermediate-risk patients. Thus FICB prophylaxis could be beneficial, particularly for intermediate-risk patients.