The Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block combined with Local Infiltration Analgesia (LIA) compared to placebo and LIA in hip arthroplasty surgery: a multi-center double-blinded randomized-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The PEricapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block is a novel regional analgesia technique that provides improved analgesia in patients undergoing hip surgery while preserving motor function. In this study the PENG block was investigated for analgesia in elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: In this multi-centre double-blinded randomized-controlled trial, in addition to spinal anesthesia and local infltration analgesia (LIA), THA patients received either a PENG block or a sham block. The primary outcome was pain score (numeric rating scale 0–10) 3 h postoperatively (Day 0). Secondary outcomes were postoperative quadriceps muscle strength, postoperative Day 1 pain scores, opiate use, complications, length of hospital stay, and patientreported outcome measures. Results: Sixty patients were randomized and equally allocated between groups. Baseline demographics were similar. Postoperative Day 0, the PENG group experienced less pain compared to the sham group (PENG: 14 (47%) patients no pain, 14 (47%) mild pain, 2 (6%) moderate/severe pain versus sham: 6 (20%) no pain, 14 (47%) mild pain, 10 (33%) moderate/severe pain; p=0.03). There was no diference in quadriceps muscle strength between groups on Day 0 (PENG: 23 (77%) intact versus sham: 24 (80%) intact; p=0.24) and there were no diferences in other secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Patients receiving a PENG block for analgesia in elective THA experience less postoperative pain on Day 0 with preservation of quadriceps muscle strength. Despite these short-term benefts, no quality of recovery or longer lasting postoperative efects were detected.