PENG and LFCN Block Versus FIC Block for Multimodal Analgesia After Total Hip Replacement Surgery: a Retrospective Analysis

Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block and Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) Block Versus Fascia Iliaca (FIC) Block for Multimodal Analgesia After Total Hip Replacement Surgery: a Retrospective Analysis

Background: Optimal pain control with limited muscle weakness is paramount for a swift initiation of physical therapy and ambulation. Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) has been recommended since it offers the best pain control with low risk of motor block. Pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block has been proposed as an effective alternative to FICB that offers similar pain control with a considerably lower risk of motor block. This study aimed to compare the afore mentioned blocks and determine which one yielded the lowest NRS score.

This single-center, retrospective investigation was conducted at ASST Nord Milano Bassini hospital. The study was approved by the ethics committee "Comitato Etico Milano Area 3". The main outcome of the study was the comparison of postoperative pain at 6, 12 and 24 hours, expressed as NRS (numeric rating scale), between PENG and LCFN . Secondary outcomes included total opioid consumption expressed as milligrams of morphine equivalents (MME), time to first opioid request, time to first postoperative ambulation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• elective total hip replacement surgery for non-traumatic hip disease, age >18 years, complete clinical chart included the type of peripheral nerve block performed, signed consent form for spinal anesthesia and peripheral nerve block.

Exclusion Criteria:

• incomplete chart, a peripheral nerve block other than PENG or FIC block was performed