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Fascia Iliaca Block

This procedure is performed to block pain signals from traveling along the femoral nerve from the thigh or knee to the brain. It is commonly used to alleviate pain that can appear after certain leg surgeries such as total knee replacement. The physician inserts a needle through the skin near the femoral nerve. Next, a mixture of anesthetic medicine is injected through the needle. The medicine spreads to nearby nerves, blocking the pain signals.

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    What Is a Fascia Iliaca Block?

    The fascia iliaca block is a regional anesthetic technique to relieve pain in the hip, thigh, and knee regions. The local anesthetic is injected under the fascia iliaca, a layer of tissue at the band of the hip area. It blocks the pain pathways of the femoral nerve, medial femoral cutaneous nerve, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

    Blockade at the level of the fascia iliaca creates a temporary area of numbness to assist with pain management appropriately after an injury or surgical procedure.

    Fascia Iliaca Block

    How Does the Fascia Iliaca Block Work?

    A local anesthetic is administered into the fascial plane in the iliac region. The compartment accommodates the spreading of the anesthetic to the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves, sometimes the obturator nerve. Blocking these nerves briefly inhibits them from sending pain signals from the hip, thigh, and knee to the brain. Ultrasound guidance often ensures accurate delivery of the anesthetic for enhanced pain relief.

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    Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA David Chu, MD, FAAPMR David Chu, MD, FAAPMR Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM

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    Conditions Treated with Fascia Iliaca Block

    The fascia iliaca block can be used to provide effective pain relief for many different conditions, including:

    If you’re experiencing symptoms of acute pain, consider consulting our trusted fascia iliaca block specialists at New York Pain Care for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

    Benefits of Fascia Iliaca Block

    The fascia iliaca block is an effective analgesia for the hip, thigh, and knee. The block will provide significant pain relief and reduce the use of and side effects of opioids. The management of pain allows for mobility, which could accelerate recovery and reduce the length of stay. This procedure is fairly safe, especially with ultrasound guidance. The block can be given preoperatively, as immediate relief, and the block can also provide long-term analgesia with the use of a catheter.

    What to Expect During the Procedure

    The fascia iliaca block takes about 15–30 minutes. You’ll lie on your back while the area is cleaned, and the injection site may be numbed. A thin needle is inserted under the fascia iliaca using landmarks or ultrasound to inject local anesthetic. A bandage is applied, and you’ll be monitored for 30–45 minutes. The block may cause numbness or weakness in the thigh and lower leg. Relief of pain usually begins within 10–30 minutes and persists for several hours.

    Our empathetic physicians at New York Pain Care will guide you through your treatment and recovery.

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    Risks and Side Effects

    The fascia iliaca block is generally safe and common, temporary side effects are weakness, numbness, or bruising at the site of injection. More serious but rare risks include infection, bleeding, damage to nerves, or reaction to local anesthetic. Your risk can be influenced by pre-existing illness or medication, so it’s wise to tell your doctor about your medical history and any unexplained symptoms following the injection.

    Recovery and Aftercare

    After a fascia iliaca block, you’ll be monitored for 30–45 minutes. Temporary numbness, weakness, or heaviness in your thigh is normal and should fade as the block wears off. Pain relief lasts several hours. Keep the site clean and dry after removing the bandage, and move carefully until sensation returns. Report signs of infection, prolonged numbness, or other concerns. The block is intended to ease pain and support early movement.

    Take the first step towards effective pain management for your hip, thigh, or knee. Contact the experienced fascia iliaca block specialists at New York Pain Care, conveniently located in Greenwich Village, NY, Midtown East, NY, New City, NY, or Westchester, NY. Our dedicated physicians are here to provide you with a thorough evaluation of your pain and discuss how a fascia iliaca block can offer significant relief. Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options and begin your journey towards greater comfort and improved mobility.

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    New City, NY 10956
    (212) 242-8160

    Page Updated on Jun 10, 2025 by Dr. Hosny (Interventional Spine Specialist) of New York Pain Care
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