Where is the fascia iliaca block typically performed?

The fascia iliaca block is performed at the lateral third of the inguinal ligament. This location is strategically chosen to access the fascia iliaca, which lies beneath the inguinal ligament and covers the hip flexor muscles and femoral nerve. By targeting the lateral third, the clinician can effectively deposit local anesthetic into the fascia iliaca space, which allows for analgesia of the lower abdominal wall and anterior thigh.

Placing the needle at this specific location ensures that the anesthetic spreads adequately to block both the femoral nerve and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, providing substantial pain relief during procedures involving the hip, thigh, or pelvic region. This technique is particularly valuable for postoperative pain management following hip surgery or in managing pain in trauma cases.

Other locations, such as the medial side of the inguinal ligament, anterior superior iliac spine, or posterior superior iliac spine, do not offer the same access to the fascia iliaca space and may not provide the intended analgesic effect. These alternatives are not utilized for this specific block, which is designed for effective and targeted analgesia in the relevant anatomical area.