Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca nerve block gelatin model

Background

Patients with hip fractures frequently present to the emergency department (ED). Traditional methods of pain control often include the use of opioid pain medication. Fascia iliaca nerve blocks offer an alternative method to acute pain management in the ED for hip fractures. At the time of this publication, there are no readily available, cost-effective gelatin models of the surrounding fascia iliaca anatomy.

Objectives

The objective was to design an accurate and cost-effective model to simulate fascia iliaca nerve block models for training emergency medicine clinicians.

Discussion

A gelatin model was created to simulate the anatomy of the inguinal region in order to perform a fascia iliaca block. This fascia iliaca nerve block model aided in training of residents and attendings to become familiar with the anatomy and techniques necessary to perform this nerve block. Clinicians were able to practice ultrasound guided in-plane approach into the fascia iliaca space where they could then hydrodissect and distill anesthetic. Each model could be used several times allowing trainees multiple attempts.

Conclusion

A method to create a fascia iliaca nerve block model using readily available supplies was designed to aid training of emergency medicine clinicians. We hope to improve the technique and clinician comfort-level when performing the fascia iliaca nerve block using this model.