Continuous Femoral Nerve Catheters Decrease Opioid-Related Side Effects and Increase Home Disposition Rates Among...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Geriatric proximal femur fractures are associated with significant postoperative pain.
• Effective pain management is crucial for recovery and patient outcomes.
• Standard analgesia may not always provide adequate pain relief or minimize opioid-related side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of continuous femoral nerve catheter (CFNC) versus standard analgesia (SA) for postoperative pain control in geriatric hip fracture patients.
• To evaluate the impact of CFNC on pain scores, opioid consumption, side effects, and discharge disposition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparative study of 265 geriatric hip fracture patients.
• 116 patients received continuous femoral nerve catheter (CFNC).
• 149 patients received standard analgesia (SA).
• Outcomes assessed included pain scores, morphine equivalent consumption, opioid-related side effects, and discharge disposition.

Main Results:

• CFNC group reported significantly lower average pain scores preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 2.
• CFNC patients consumed 39% less morphine equivalents on postoperative day 1 and 50% less on day 2.
• The rate of opioid-related side effects was lower in the CFNC group (27.5% vs. 47%).
• More patients in the CFNC group were discharged home (15% vs. 6%).

Conclusions:

• Continuous femoral nerve catheter (CFNC) is an effective method for postoperative pain control in geriatric proximal femur fractures.
• CFNC reduces pain, narcotic consumption, and opioid-related side effects.
• CFNC facilitates a higher rate of discharge home for geriatric hip fracture patients.