Comparison of Pericapsular Nerve Group Block versus Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block as Postoperative Pain Management in Hip Fracture Surgeries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain management and early recovery play an important role in the functional outcome following hip surgeries. Recently, pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has been used as a good alternative for postoperative pain management following hip fracture surgeries. We compared the efficacy of (PENG) block and fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) as postoperative pain management in hip surgeries. METHODS: Forty patients of the age group of 18 years and older of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classes I and II scheduled for hip fracture were selected and the patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A comprised of 20 patients who received PENG block and Group B comprised of 20 patients who received FICB. 30 mL 0.25% Levobupivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone was given for both blocks. The following outcomes were measured: Total fentanyl consumption in 24 h, dynamic pain during 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 24 h, Visual Analog Pain score during 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 24 h, quadriceps femoris muscle strength. RESULTS: Even though there was no significant difference in the duration of analgesia and dynamic pain grades between these blocks, there was notable difference in Visual Analog Pain score and the motor power of quadriceps femoris which indicates the potency of sensory blockade and decrease in motor sparing was significantly seen in PENG block than FICB. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that PENG block was more appropriate analgesic modality than FICB in patients undergoing hip surgeries as postoperative analgesic.