Combined paravertebral lumbar plexus and parasacral sciatic nerve block for reduction of hip fracture in a patient with severe aortic stenosis

Abstract

Purpose: To report the use of a combined paravertebral lumbar plexus and parasacral sciatic nerve block for reduction of hip fracture in an elderly patient with severe aortic stenosis.

Clinical features: In an 87-yr-old lady with severe aortic stenosis and fracture of the right trochanter due to a fall, a combined right-sided paravertebral lumbar plexus and parasacral sciatic nerve block was used successfully for operative reduction of the fracture. A moderate amount of phenylephrine was required to maintain adequate systemic blood pressure despite the largely unilateral nature of the blocks.

Conclusion: Combined paravertebral lumbar plexus and parasacral sciatic nerve block can be a viable alternative to general anesthesia and epidural or spinal block for hip surgery in patients with severe aortic stenosis.