Background: The immediate postoperative period after total hip arthroplasty can be associated with significant pain. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of pericapsular nerve block on pain management and functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty.
Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 489 adult patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty, ASA 1-2, operated under spinal analgesia. Participants were assigned to receive either a pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine or a sham block.
Results: The primary outcome measure was the postoperative NRS score in motion. The secondary outcomes were cumulative opioid consumption, the time to the first opioid, and functional recovery. Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Intraoperative pain scores were significantly lower in patients who received the PENG block than in the control group (p < 0.0001). Also, the time to the first opioid was considerably longer in the PENG group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 24% of PENG patients did not require opioids (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: The pericapsular nerve group showed significantly decreased opioid consumption and improved functional recovery. Pericapsular nerve group block improved pain management and postoperative functional recovery following total hip arthroplasty.
Keywords: PENG block; pain management; quality of life; regional anesthesia; total hip arthroplasty.