CLINICAL EVALUATION OF ILIAC FASCIAL SPACE BLOCK COMBINED WITH UNILATERAL LUMBAR ANESTHESIA IN FITNESS PLAYERS WITH FEMUR FRACTURE: IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of combining iliac fascial space block (IFSB) with unilateral lumbar anesthesia in managing pain and facilitating recovery among fitness players who have suffered femur fractures, with a particular focus on both physical and mental health outcomes. Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted from September 2020 to November 2021 in our Orthopedics department, 78 fitness players with femur fractures were enrolled. Participants were randomly divided into a control group (n=39), receiving unilateral lumbar anesthesia, and a study group (n=39), treated with both iliac fascial space block and unilateral lumbar anesthesia. The efficacy of anesthesia was evaluated based on the onset time of nerve block and the incidence of adverse reactions. Cognitive functions and pain levels were assessed at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-operatively using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), respectively. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The study group demonstrated a significantly longer effective block time for the femoral lateral cutaneous, femoral, and obturator nerves, with fewer instances of nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the rates of local infection, nerve injury, or lower limb thrombosis between groups (P > 0.05). At 24 and 48 hours’ post-operation, the study group showed significantly improved MMSE scores and reduced VAS scores, indicating better cognitive function and less pain. By 72 hours’ post-operation, differences in MMSE and VAS scores between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The combination of iliac fascial space block with unilateral lumbar anesthesia provides a superior analgesic effect and supports better clinical outcomes in fitness players recovering from femur fractures. This approach not only enhances pain management but also contributes positively to the mental health and overall recovery process, underscoring its value in the comprehensive treatment of fitness players. This finding highlights the importance of integrating effective pain management strategies with a focus on both physical and mental health recovery in the rehabilitation of athletic individuals.