How to Perform a Femoral Nerve block

Princess Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department

Preparation:

Patient consentUltrasound – linear probeskin prep20mL syringepencil point needlelocal anaestheticgauze

Why pencil point?Use a pencil point needle to better

appreciate passing through fascial planes and to limit trauma to the nerve.

Identify Anatomy

Left leg

Identify Anatomy

FV

FA

Femoral Nerve

Use 20mL syringe filled with local anaesthetic connected to pencil point needle

Use 20 mL of 1% lignocaine or 0.5% bupivacaine or combination

For the purposes of femoral blocks in the ED, the nerve stimulator connector can be removed with scissors

Approach the field with the needle from the lateral edge of the probe longitudinally

This way, you can visualise your needle in the field throughout the procedure

Once you are in the nerve sheath, aspirate and slowly administer anaesthetic

Clearly document the procedure in clinical notes

Remember in PAH ED you must complete your Procedural Ultrasound competency before you can perform Ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Block

independently