Incisional continuous fascia iliaca block provides more effective pain relief and fewer side effects than opioids after pelvic osteotomy in children.

Background: Intravenous opioid therapy is frequently used for postoperative pain management in children after orthopedic surgery but causes side effects such as respiratory depression, vomiting, sedation, and urinary retention. To investigate whether a continuous incisional fascia iliaca compartment (FIC) block provides more effective postoperative pain relief with fewer side effects than IV morphine, we performed a prospective, double-blind, randomized study to compare both techniques.

Methods: Thirty children (ASA physical status I-II) aged 3 mo to 6 yr undergoing a pelvic osteotomy were included in the study.