The Fascia Iliaca Block is used to help decrease pain in the leg, hip, or knee. This minimally invasive injection procedure is utilized to block pain signals originating at the femoral nerve. The purpose of this injection is to block pain signals before they get to the brain which will, in turn, decrease pain. This injection can be used pre or postoperatively.

The patient is prepped and placed in a supine position on the treatment table. Often one of our surgeons will use ultrasound to guide the injection or use surface landmarks to determine location. The needle is inserted through the tissue and into the superior fascia layer of the iliopsoas at the anterior aspect of the ilium. The needle placement is incredibly important because multiple nerves and muscles cross in this area.

Once the needle has passed through the layer of fascia, a mixture of anesthetic and corticosteroid is carefully injected. The injection mixture will bathe the femoral nerve and other structures in medication which will decrease swelling, decrease irritation, and alleviate pain.