FRONT nerve block for pain control in femoral intramedullary nail surgery
Femoral Rami Obturator Nerve Trunk (FRONT) Block in Intramedullary Nail Surgery .
This trial will try a FRONT (femoral rami obturator nerve trunk) block before intramedullary nailing in patients aged 60 and older to see if it reduces postoperative pain and preserves leg strength.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | South Valley University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Qina, Qena Governorate) |
| Trial ID | NCT07268911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial tests a preoperative femoral rami obturator nerve trunk (FRONT) block—a novel single-needle technique that targets both femoral and obturator rami—to provide anterior hip analgesia for patients undergoing intramedullary nail fixation. Participants receive the FRONT block along with standard multimodal systemic analgesia, and postoperative pain (including pain on ambulation), motor function, opioid consumption, and recovery milestones will be followed. The technique aims to spare femoral motor fibers while covering anterior hip innervation, potentially enabling earlier mobilization compared with conventional blocks. The procedure is being performed at Qena University for eligible patients aged 60 or older without significant cognitive impairment, coagulopathy, or infection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 or older, ASA 1–2, scheduled for intramedullary femoral nailing who can consent and have no active infection, significant cognitive impairment, or coagulopathy.
Not a fit: Patients with active infections, coagulopathy, dementia or delirium, or those undergoing different types of hip surgery are unlikely to benefit from this technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the FRONT block could lower pain during movement, reduce opioid use, and help patients mobilize sooner after femur nail surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Other anterior hip regional techniques (femoral nerve, fascia iliaca, and PENG blocks) have shown reductions in opioid use and improved mobilization, but FRONT is a newer technique with limited published outcome data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * the elderly age≥60 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification 1-2 * patients who undergoing surgery for intramedullary nail surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * patient refused to participate and consent * patients with a history of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and delirium * patients with known preoperative infections (pulmonary infection, urinary infection, and sepsis). * coagulopathy
Where this trial is running
Qina, Qena Governorate
- Qena University — Qina, Qena Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zeinab M Sayed, MD
- Email: zeinab5aton@gmail.com
- Phone: 01009071365
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.