THE VALUE OF CONTINUOUS BLOCKADE OF THE LUMBAR PLEXUS AS AN ADJUNCT TO ACETYLSALICYCLIC ACID FOR PAIN RELIEF AFTER SURGERY FOR FEMORAL-NECKFRACTURES

In a randomized, double-blind investigation the analgesic effect of co ntinuous blockade of the lumbar plexus as an adjunct to acetylsalicycl ic acid by suppository after surgery for femoral neck fractures under spinal anaesthesia was examined in 20 patients. Before surgery, a cath eter was inserted into the femoral nerve sheath. The patients were all ocated randomly to receive bupivacaine or saline by bolus and then con tinuous infusion, started immediately after the operation. No statisti cally significant differences in additional morphine requirements, vis ual analogue pain scores or adverse effects were observed between the two treatment groups. It is concluded that continuous blockade of the lumbar plexus as an adjunct to rectal acetylsalicyclic acid offers no major additional pain relief after surgery for femoral neck fractures under spinal anaesthesia.