Comparison between pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block and supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (S-FICB) for total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block combined with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block in controlling postoperative pain and promoting recovery of lower extremity after total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to compare its effectiveness with supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (S-FICB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 92 patients undergoing THA with general anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either a PENG with LFCN block (n = 46) using 30 ml 0.33% ropivacaine (20 ml for PENG block, 10 ml for LFCN block), or an S-FICB (n = 46) using 30 ml 0.33% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the time to first postoperative walk. The secondary outcomes included intraoperative remifentanil consumption, postoperative hip flexion degree and muscle strength of the operative lower limbs in the supine position, pain scores (static and dynamic), rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and nerve block-related complications. RESULTS: The combination of PENG with LFCN blocks resulted in an earlier first postoperative walking time (19.6 ± 9.6 h vs 26.5 ± 8.2 h, P < 0.01), greater postoperative hip flexion degree at 6 h, 24 h and 48 h (all P < 0.01), and higher muscle strength of the operative lower limbs at 6 h after surgery (P = 0.03) compared to S-FICB. The difference in pain scores (static and dynamic) was only statistically significant at 48 h (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: PENG with LFCN blocks is more effective than S-FICB in shortening the time to first postoperative walk and preservation hip motion after THA, which makes it a suitable addition to enhanced recovery programs following surgery.