How to Perform a Femoral Block

Objective

Injection of local anaesthetic around the Femoral Nerve lateral to the Common Femoral Artery.

Technique:

• Begin by placing the transducer transversely in the inguinal crease to identify the Common Femoral Artery.
• The Femoral Nerve is identified lateral to the Common Femoral Artery.
• Use the in-plane needle technique with a lateral to medial approach.
• Initial injection of local anaesthetic occurs lateral to the Femoral Nerve.
• The block needle is repositioned to ensure deposition of local anaesthetic around the Femoral Nerve.

Image

Patient Positioning:

Supine

Transducer:

L12-3, L15-4

Teaching Points: 

• The Femoral Nerve is surrounded by the Fascia Iliaca. Initial Injection should occur just adjacent and lateral to the Femoral Nerve within the surrounding Fascia Iliaca.
• The Femoral Nerve Block provides a sensory and motor block to the anterior and medial thigh including the knee.
• A nerve stimulator may be used to ensure the injection is in close proximity to the Femoral Nerve.
• Injection of local anaesthetic will allow the Femoral Nerve to be easily identified as it is displaced by the injection. The Femoral Nerve will become round in appearance after injection.
• The motor block from the Femoral Nerve Block will inhibit early postoperative ambulation.