Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block Versus PENG Block for Hip Arthroplasty Analgesia

A Randomized Comparison Between Ultrasound-Guided Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block and Pericapsular Nerve Group Block For Total Hip Replacement

In recent years, suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (SFIB) has emerged as a reliable analgesic option for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). In 2018, a new block was described, termed pericapsular nerve group block or PENG block, that selectively targets the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves while sparing their motor components. In this randomized trial, the investigators will compare US-guided SFIB and PENG block in patients undergoing primary THA. Since the main benefit of PENGB stems from its quadriceps-sparing effect, it was selected the incidence of quadriceps motor block (at 6 hours) as the primary outcome and the hypothesis that PENG block will result in significantly less motor block compared to SFIB.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 80 years
• American Society of Anesthesiologists classification 1-3
• Body mass index between 20 and 35 (kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults who are unable to give their own consent
• Pre-existing neuropathy (assessed by history and physical examination)
• Coagulopathy (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. platelets ≤a100, International Normalized Ratio ≥01.4 or prothrombin time ≥ 50)
• Renal failure (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. creatinine ≥ 100)
• Hepatic failure (assessed by history and physical examination and, if deemed clinically necessary, by blood work up i.e. transaminases ≥ 100)
• Allergy to local anesthetics (LAs)
• Pregnancy
• Prior surgery in the corresponding side of the inguinal or suprainguinal area
• Chronic pain syndromes requiring opioid intake at home