Do you suffer from hip pain that has failed to improve with time and/or conservative therapy? If so you may be a candidate for this quick and simple treatment option.

Femoral-Obturator Block Q&A

What is a Femoral-Obturator Block?

One of the main concerns many patients have when undergoing hip replacement is pain after surgery. A femoral nerve block is an effective way to moderate pain immediately following total hip replacement. The procedure involves injecting an inflammation-reducing steroid mixed with local anesthetic around the femoral nerve to block pain.

What are the Benefits?

A femoral nerve block for post-op pain management works by disrupting pain signals to the brain. It allows patients to begin the path to recovery by helping them become mobile after surgery without significant pain.

How Does it Work?

The area around the injection site will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and a local anesthetic will be administered. At this point, your doctor will use an ultrasound machine to pinpoint the femoral nerve. Once the nerve is located, they will guide the needle to the nerve and perform the injection. 

The procedure itself is very simple and typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients find that one femoral nerve block offers total pain relief for 16 to 24 hours, with some residual numbness for several days following the procedure. Patients with continuous femoral nerve blocks may find pain relief for longer than that, both while the anesthetic is being administered and for several days after.

When Will I Feel Better?

Positive effects can occur immediately.

Is a Femoral-Obturator Block Right for Me?

If you are scheduled for hip surgery, a femoral nerve block may be recommended for post-op pain management. We will schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Physicians, to see if this treatment is a good fit for you.