Effect of early regional anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function and the perioperative stress response in patients with hip fractures: a randomized controlled trial.
PeerJSep 30, 2026 (epub)
Rui Zeng, Jingru Li, Zehao Wei et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of anterior iliopsoas muscle space block (AIMSB) timing on postoperative delirium (POD) in 79 elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty for fractures. The incidence of POD was 8.1% in the day-before-surgery group versus 12.8% in the hour-before-surgery group, with no significant difference (P = 0.71).
Key findings
- POD incidence was 8.1% in the day-before-surgery group and 12.8% in the hour-before-surgery group.
- Resting pain scores at 6 hours postoperatively were lower in the day-before-surgery group (2.46 vs. 2.95, P = 0.043).
- Movement-evoked pain scores at 6 hours were also lower in the day-before-surgery group (3.24 vs. 3.79, P = 0.021).
- The IL-6 curve area under the curve was 0.895, indicating a potential early postoperative pain benefit.
Why it matters
Understanding the optimal timing for regional anesthesia can help minimize postoperative complications like delirium and improve pain management in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery, which is crucial for recovery.