Specialty Care Clinics offer various pain management techniques. We believe in customizing treatments according to your specific needs to relieve pain. Today we will talk about one of these pain management treatments, fascia iliac block which is commonly used to relieve pain in the knees and hips.
The primary purpose of the fascia iliac block is to alleviate pain in the knee or hip. While it is commonly prescribed for postoperative pain management, it may also be recommended in other situations. This procedure can be performed as a single outpatient treatment or as an intravenous therapy that provides prolonged pain relief.
ADMINISTRATION OF ANESTHESIA FOR THE FEMORAL NERVE:
The administration of anaesthesia for the femoral nerve typically focuses on targeting the nerve located in the thigh. Occasionally, the lateral cutaneous or obturator nerves may also be targeted. In this discussion, our main emphasis will be on the femoral nerve as it is commonly associated with postoperative pain in the hip and knee.
The fascia iliac block is specifically designed to deliver anaesthesia to the femoral nerve. In a singular procedure, a needle is inserted by the doctor and guided towards the general vicinity of the femoral nerve. Anesthesia is then injected, and the needle is subsequently removed.
The injection can be performed with or without the assistance of ultrasound. When ultrasound is employed, the doctor aims for more precise needle placement. The use of ultrasound enables the doctor to identify the optimal site for injection.
FASCIA ILIAC BLOCK FOR LONG-TERM PAIN RELIEF:
When a patient undergoes knee or hip surgery, there is often a need for prolonged pain relief during the initial days of recovery. In such situations, the fascia iliac block can be administered through IV therapy. Instead of a single injection with a specific amount of anaesthesia, an IV tube is utilized, inserted via a cannula, and directed towards the femoral nerve.
The tube is connected to an IV bag that delivers a continuous flow of anaesthesia to the targeted area. As long as the anaesthesia drip is maintained, the patient experiences ongoing relief from pain. Once the doctor determines that the IV therapy is no longer necessary, the tube is removed, and the site is appropriately dressed with a bandage.
Contact Specialty Care Clinics today at (469) 545-9983 to schedule your consultation and explore the possibilities of the fascia iliac block and other specialized treatments. Don’t let pain hold you back any longer, reach Specialty Care Clinics to start your journey towards relief.
SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PROCESS:
Despite being a relatively recent development in the field of pain medicine, the fascia iliac block is widely regarded as a safe and effective procedure. Typically, a pain medicine doctor can perform the procedure without requiring specialized training, and the single needle-based procedure can be completed in just a few minutes.
In terms of side effects, they are generally minimal. Most patients may experience some mild discomfort during needle insertion, while those undergoing IV therapy may find the presence of the tube slightly uncomfortable.
Following the procedure, temporary swelling and bruising may occur for a few days. Some individuals might experience minor pain at the injection site, and as with any medical intervention, there is a potential risk of infection. Patients should promptly notify their doctors if they observe signs of infection in the hours or days following the procedure.
DISCUSS WITH OUR SPECIALISTS AT SPECIALTY CARE CLINICS:
While the fascia iliac block is typically recommended for postoperative pain relief in the hip or knee, it can also have applications for other forms of hip and knee discomfort. If you believe you could benefit from this procedure, let’s have a conversation about it.
Meeting with one of our pain specialists will provide you with a better understanding of the procedure, its mechanism, and its potential benefits. Our doctors are prepared to address your queries and provide expert guidance. If it turns out that the fascia iliac block is not suitable for your condition, we can suggest alternative treatments.