Comparing two nerve-block techniques for pain after hip fracture surgery

Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block and Quadro-Iliac Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery

We will test whether the suprainguinal fascia iliaca block or the quadro-iliac plane block provides better pain relief for adults undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 70 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hitit University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Çorum)
• Trial ID: NCT07546903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational comparison enrolls adults having surgical repair of hip fracture at Hitit University and compares postoperative analgesia after the suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (SIFI) versus the quadro-iliac plane block (QIPB). Eligible, hemodynamically stable patients (ASA I–III, BMI ≤35) who provide informed consent will receive one of the two peripheral nerve blocks as part of routine perioperative care alongside a standardized multimodal analgesia protocol. Investigators will record pain scores, opioid consumption, side effects, functional recovery measures, and complications in the immediate postoperative period and during the first 24–48 hours. Because treatment allocation reflects local practice rather than randomization, the study aims to compare real-world analgesic effectiveness and opioid-sparing between the two techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with hip fracture scheduled for surgery who are ASA I–III, hemodynamically stable, BMI ≤35, can consent and communicate in Turkish, and do not meet exclusion criteria are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who are ASA IV–V, hemodynamically unstable, have coagulopathy, infection at the block site, chronic pain or neuromuscular disease, severe organ failure, recent high-dose opioid use, pregnancy, or inability to use PCA or assessment tools are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one block proves superior, patients could experience better pain control with reduced opioid use and faster mobilization after hip fracture surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous reports and case series indicate both SIFI and QIPB can provide effective analgesia and reduce opioid needs, but direct head-to-head comparisons are lacking.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 years and older
* ASA physical status I-III
* Hemodynamically stable patients
* Scheduled for surgical treatment of hip fracture
* Body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m²
* Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal to participate
* ASA physical status IV-V
* Hemodynamically unstable patients
* Surgery not completed as planned
* Infection at the block site
* History of allergy to local anesthetics or tramadol
* Presence of neuromuscular or peripheral nerve diseases
* Chronic pain conditions
* Coagulopathy or ongoing anticoagulant therapy
* High-dose opioid use within the last 3 days
* Severe hepatic or renal insufficiency
* Diabetes mellitus
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* NRS score \>7 for four consecutive hours despite multimodal analgesia
* Inability to understand or use assessment tools (e.g., NRS, QoR-15)
* Inability to communicate in Turkish
* Inability to use PCA device due to technical reasons

Where this trial is running

Çorum

• Hitit university — Çorum, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: MUHAMMED ATICI

Conditions: Post Operative Pain, Hip Fracture, Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block, Quadro-Iliac Plane Block