Abstract <p>The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between plasma levels of β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postoperative analgesic effects and cognitive function in intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) patients. 42 elderly patients who underwent internal fixation of ITF were selected. Another 20 healthy individuals matched for gender, age and education level in the same period were selected as controls. Plasma samples were collected from patients 72 hours after surgery to detect β-NGF and BDNF levels. The patients’ pain levels at rest and during exercise were assessed, after pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) block, at multiple time points postoperatively. The patients’ cognitive function was assessed. Patients were categorized into groups according to the analgesic effect. In addition, they were classified as Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) and Non-POCD. VAS and MMSE scores were significantly lower after PENG block and at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively compared with those before PENG block. Plasma β-NGF was higher in patients with ITF than in healthy controls. Patients with poor analgesic effect had higher plasma β-NGF levels than those with good analgesic effect. For BDNF, plasma BDNF levels were higher in Non-POCD patients than in healthy controls, whereas plasma BDNF levels were lower in POCD patients than in healthy controls and lower than in Non-PCOD patients. Elevated plasma β-NGF is associated with pain during postoperative exercise in patients with ITF, whereas decreased BDNF may increase the risk of early postoperative cognitive decline in patients.</p>