Postoperative analgesia and opioid use following hip arthroscopy with ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block: a randomized controlled double-blind trial

Retrospective Comparison of Quadratus Lumborum and Pericapsular Nerve Group Blocks for Postoperative Pain Management of Patients Undergoing Outpatient Hip Arthroscopy

Introduction

Hip arthroscopy is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure and effective postoperative pain management is important to provide quality patient care and enable timely discharge. Multiple regional nerve blocks have been described for pain relief after hip arthroscopy, but there is no consensus on the optimal technique. This retrospective investigation aimed to compare quadratus lumborum (QL) and pericapsular nerve group (PENG) blocks to determine if there are differences in analgesic outcomes after outpatient hip arthroscopy.

Methods

A total of 50 consecutive patients that received QL block and 50 that received PENG block for outpatient hip arthroscopy were identified and compared to determine if there were any differences in the primary outcome of total perioperative opioid consumption prior to discharge from the surgery center. Important secondary analgesic outcomes include postoperative opioid consumption, verbal rating scale (VRS) pain scores or total time in the recovery area. Summary statistics of relevant variables are compared and reported between study groups (QL versus PENG).

Results

For QL and PENG groups, no significant differences were observed in total perioperative oral morphine equivalents (OME) (69.5 vs 60mg; p=0.40), postoperative OME (15 vs 15.3mg; p=0.96) or maximum pain scores in the recovery area (7.0 vs 6.0; p=0.41). Postoperatively, QL block patients were in PACU for a greater length of time after surgery than PENG block patients (89.5 vs 72 minutes; p<0.001). No patients had uncontrolled pain requiring emergency room visits or hospital admission within 24 hours. No neurologic complications or instances of motor weakness were reported after QL or PENG blocks.

Conclusion

This retrospective study observed similar opioid requirements and pain scores for patients receiving QL versus PENG block for hip arthroscopy, though PENG block patients had shorter times in the recovery area. Prospective, controlled trials are required to further explore and confirm these findings.

The effect of fascia iliaca compartment block on postoperative delirium in elder adults undergoing hip surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether fascia iliaca compartment block (FIB) could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42023490399). The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) till November 15, 2023. Review Manger 5.4 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

A total of 10 RCTs with 930 elderly patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis indicated that FIB could reduce the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery without preoperative cognitive impairment (OR:0.46; 95%CI[0.22, 0.96], P = 0.04, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis of the incidence of POD showed that elderly patients who received FIB treatment before entering the operating room had a lower risk of developing POD(OR:0.48; 95%CI[0.30, 0.76], P = 0.002, I2 = 0%), and FIB could reduce the occurrence of POD in patients undergoing intravertebral anesthesia instead of general anesthesia (OR:0.37; 95%CI[0.20, 0.66], P﹤0.01, I2 = 0%). Moreover, FIB could reduce the MMSE score on the first day after surgery (SMD:1.07; 95%CI[0.15, 1.99], P = 0.02, I2 = 86%). In addition, FIB could reduce the pain score on the first and third day after surgery (SMD: -0.46; 95%CI[-0.74, -0.18], P = 0.001, I2 = 43%; SMD: -0.62; 95%CI[-0.97, -0.26], P﹤0.001, I2 = 58%), as well as after physical activity(SMD: -1.64; 95%CI[-3.00, -0.28], P = 0.02, I2 = 83%).

CONCLUSION

FIB can reduce the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery without pre-existing cognitive impairment. Additionally, it can lower the delirium scores and pain scores.

Efficacy of regional anesthesia in hip preservation surgeries: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to review the current literature on perioperative pain management in hip arthroscopy, periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation. A systematic review of the literature published from January 2000 to December 2022 was performed. Selection criteria included published randomized controlled trials, prospective reviews and retrospective reviews of all human subjects undergoing hip preservation surgery. Exclusion criteria included case reports, animal studies and studies not reporting perioperative pain control protocols. Thirty-four studies included hip arthroscopy in which peripheral nerve blocks were associated with a significant reduction in pain score (P = 0.037) compared with general anesthesia alone. However, no pain control modality was associated with a significant difference in postanesthesia care unit opioid use (P = 0.127) or length of stay (P = 0.251) compared with general anesthesia alone. Falls were the most common complication reported, accounting for 37% of all complications. Five studies included periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation in which peripheral nerve blocks were associated with an 18% reduction in pain on postoperative Day 2, a 48% reduction in cumulative opioid use on postoperative Day 2 and a 40% reduction in hospital stay. Due to the low sample size of the periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation studies, we were unable to determine the significant difference between the means. Due to significant between-study heterogeneity, additional studies with congruent outcome measures need to be conducted to determine the efficacy of regional anesthesia in hip arthroscopy, periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation.

The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Quadratus Lumborum Block (via transmuscular or posterior approach) After Hip Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

No review or meta-analysis exists elucidate the efficacy and safety of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) on the pain intensity, opioid requirement, and mobilization in patients undergoing hip surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was designed to compare QLB with no block or placebo (without other nerve/plexus blocks) for patients undergoing hip surgery.

METHODS

Two individual researchers conducted the platform searches on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception to 12 June 2021. Only English publications were included. The rest pain score at 12 postoperative hours was designated as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included rest pain score at 6 and 24 postoperative hours, dynamic pain score at 6, 12, and 24 postoperative hours, total opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Seven trials including 514 patients were included. When compared with controls, the QLB technique significantly reduced rest pain scores at 12 hours after surgery (mean difference -1.15, -1.52 to -0.77, P<0.0001). The secondary outcomes were limited by heterogeneity: secondary pain outcomes and opioid consumption were consistently improved with QLB (P<0.05); patient satisfaction and postoperative nausea and vomiting were similar between the groups based on the Inverse variance heterogeneity model (P>0.05). The overall quality of evidence was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate evidence that QLB employment in hip surgery produces significant reduction in pain scores and opioid consumption within 24 hours. QLB appears to be an appropriate option for postoperative analgesia after hip surgery.

Peripheral Nerve Block for Hip Arthroscopy Does Not Have any Clinical Advantage Compared With Local Anesthetic Regarding Pain Management: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral nerve block on reduction in opioid consumption and pain control after hip arthroscopy.

METHOD

To identify studies evaluating the effects of peripheral nerve block on pain control and reduction in opioid consumption in hip arthroscopy, we searched all records in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases until May 2021. Studies with the following characteristics were considered eligible: 1) patients who underwent a hip arthroscopy (population); 2) patients who received peripheral nerve block (intervention); 3) patients who did not receive peripheral nerve block (comparator); 4) record of total opioid consumption as a primary outcome and pain level at 1, 3 to 6, and 24 hours after surgery, patient satisfaction, and incidence of nausea and vomiting as secondary outcomes (outcomes); and 5) randomized controlled trial (study design). Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and synthesized using a random or fixed-effects model, according to the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs were finally included in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in postoperative opioid consumption at 24 hours (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.091, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.270, 0.089]) or in visual analog scale (VAS) score at 1 (SMD = 0.299, 95% CI [-0.758, 0.160]), 3 to 6 (SMD = -0.304, 95% CI [-0.655, 0.047]), and 24 (SMD = -0.230, 95% CI [-0.520, 0.060]) hours postoperatively between the peripheral nerve block and control groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in patient satisfaction (SMD < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.284, 0.284]) or the incidence of nausea and vomiting (SMD = 0.808, 95% CI [0.311, 2.104]) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral nerve block for hip arthroscopy has no clinical advantage regarding pain management after surgery when compared with the group that received the local infiltration of analgesics without peripheral nerve block.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, meta-analysis of level I and II randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Comparative efficacy analysis of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block and lumbar plexus block in hip arthroscopy: a pilot prospective randomized controlled trial

Controlled trials assessing quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for post-operative analgesia in hip surgery are scarce. This study aimed to compare ultrasound-guided QLB and lumbar plexus block (LPB) for clinical efficacy in hip arthroscopy. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital in January–June 2019 were randomized to the lumbar plexus (L) and quadratus lumborum (Q) groups (n = 25/group). After either ultrasound-guided block for 30 min, both groups were prepared for surgery after muscle strength measurement in the affected limbs. Opioid doses for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the resting and active states, upon leaving the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and at 2–48 h post-surgery were recorded, and post-operative complications were also recorded. Muscle strength in the affected limbs was significantly higher in the Q group compared with the L group (4.0 versus 2.0, P &lt; 0.001). VAS scores were similar in both groups post-surgery (P &gt; 0.05). One patient had epidural spread in the L group, with no other complications. Compared with ultrasound-guided LPB, ultrasound-guided QLB provides similar and good post-operative analgesia after hip arthroscopy, with less impact on muscle strength and fewer complications. These results should be confirmed in larger trials.

Efficacy of Quadratus Lumborum Block for Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Hip Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported the use of anterior, posterior and lateral quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for pain control in hip surgeries. However, high-quality evidence is lacking. The current review aimed to summarize data on the efficacy of QLB for pain control in patients undergoing hip surgeries.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to August 5, 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-RCTs assessing the efficacy of QLB for any type of hip surgery.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included (nine RCTs and four non-RCTs). On pooled analysis, there was a statistically significant reduction of 24-h total opioid consumption in patients receiving QLB as compared to the control group (MD: -9.92, 95% CI: -16.35, -3.48 I 2 = 99% p = 0.003). We noted a statistically significant reduction of pain scores in the QLB group as compared to control group at 2-4 h (MD: -0.57, 95% CI: -0.98, -0.17 I 2 = 61% p = 0.005), 6-8 h (MD: -1.45, 95% CI: -2.09, -0.81 I 2 = 86% p < 0.00001), 12 h (MD: -1.12, 95% CI: -1.89, -0.34 I 2 = 93% p = 0.005), 24 h (MD: -0.71, 95% CI: -1.27, -0.15 I 2 = 89% p = 0.01) and 48 h (MD: -0.76, 95% CI: -1.37, -0.16 I 2 = 85% p = 0.01) after the procedure. There was a statistically significant reduction in the risk of nausea/vomiting (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.88 I 2 = 62% p = 0.02) in patients receiving QLB but no difference in the risk of pruritis (RR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.17, 1.24 I 2 = 16% p = 0.13) and urinary retention (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.19, 1.02 I 2 = 0% p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

QLB as a part of a multimodal analgesic regimen reduces opioid consumption and pain scores in patients undergoing hip surgeries. The certainty of evidence based on GRADE was moderate. Despite the statistically significant results, the clinical relevance of the analgesic efficacy of QLB is debatable due to the small effect size.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021267861.

Efficacy of quadratus lumborum block for analgesia in adult participants undergoing hip surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the benefits of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in terms of postoperative analgesic effects in adult participants undergoing hip surgery.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

SETTING

Previous randomized controlled trials that evaluated the analgesic effect of QLB compared to that of no block.

PATIENTS

Nine studies including 616 participants.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants in the treatment group received QLB, whereas those in the control group received no block.

MEASUREMENTS

Outcomes were postoperative 24-h opioid consumption (primary), 12-h/24-h visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and satisfaction. The effect size was estimated using the standardized mean difference (SMD), mean difference (MD), or risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We used the risk of bias tool (RoB 2) to assess the risk of bias of the included studies and the GRADE approach to determine the level of certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

Compared to no block, the QLB group has less opioid consumption (SMD -1.69, 95% CI -2.54 to -0.84; low level of certainty of the evidence). Estimated MD for morphine consumption was 24 mg. The QLB group had a lower 12-h VAS/NRS pain score (MD -1.16, 95% CI -1.82 to -0.51; moderate level of certainty of the evidence) and 24-h VAS/NRS pain score (MD -0.92, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.43; moderate level of certainty of the evidence). QLB decreased the incidence of PONV (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.79; moderate level of certainty of the evidence) and increased participants' satisfaction (SMD 1.15, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.67; moderate level of certainty of the evidence). Estimated MD for satisfaction was 1.74 points of Likert scale. There were no significant adverse events associated with the QLB in any of the included trials.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis showed that QLB when compared to no block clinically decreased opioid requirements, reduced PONV, and improved participants' satisfaction. QLB also seems to be significantly superior to no block in terms of pain score, but its clinical importance remains unclear.

Novel Regional Nerve Blocks in Clinical Practice: Evolving Techniques for Pain Management

This review examines the use of novel US-guided nerve blocks in clinical practice. Erector spinae block is a regional anesthesia technique doing by injecting a local anesthetic among the erector spinae muscle group and transverse processes. The phrenic nerve is a branch of the cervical plexus, arising from the anterior rami of cervical nerves C3, C4, and C5. The quadratus lumborum muscle is located along the posterior abdominal wall. It originates from the transverse process of the L5 vertebral body, the iliolumbar ligament, and the iliac crest. US-guided peripheral nerve procedures have a considerable scope of use, including treating headaches and hiccups to abdominal surgical pain, cesarean sections, musculoskeletal pathologies. These nerve blocks have been an effective addition to clinical anesthesia practice. The use of peripheral nerve blocks has improved postoperative pain, lessened the use of opioids and their potential side effects, and decreased the incidence of sleep disturbance in patients. More research should be done to further delineate the potential benefits of these blocks.

The Effects of Perioperative Peripheral Nerve Blocks on Peri- and Postoperative Opioid Use and Pain Management

INTRODUCTION

The amount of peri- and post-operative use of opioids for pain management, and the duration in which they are used following surgery, are positively associated with the likelihood of subsequent opioid use and addiction. Aware of this issue, many clinicians are seeking ways to reduce opioid use while maintaining adequate pain management. Recent evidence suggests that peripheral nerve block utilization may present a viable mechanism by which clinicians can accomplish this goal.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE and Pubmed databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Using the advanced search option, the key terms "opioid," "morphine," "nerve block," "peripheral anesthesia," "pain management," "preoperative,", "intraoperative," and "postoperative" were used and combined with the Boolean terms "AND" and "OR." This review examines the extant literature surrounding the use of peripheral nerve blocks in relation to patient-reported pain scores, intraoperative opioids, postoperative opioids, patient-controlled analgesic with opioids, and opioid consumption once the patient has left the hospital. Further, the effect peripheral nerve blocks have on postoperative physical therapy, surgery related complications, and overall patient satisfaction are briefly discussed.

RESULTS

The use of perioperative peripheral nerve blocks decreases opioid consumption not only in the postoperative period, but also intraoperatively as well. The most significant decrease in opioid consumption is seen in the first 24-72 hours postoperatively. Patient reported pain scores were also lower in patients who received peripheral nerve blocks.

DISCUSSION

Despite relatively robust efficacy data, utilization of peripheral nerve blocks is not ubiquitous; the potential reasons for which are also discussed. Lastly, clinical recommendations based on the available data are provided.

A comprehensive three-phase opiate sparing multimodal pain protocol for hip arthroscopy: a retrospective review

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of a three-phase, multimodal, perioperative pain protocol for primary hip arthroscopy based on pain scores, narcotic use, time to discharge, hospital admission and complications. A retrospective study of patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy over a 48-month time period was conducted. Patients were separated into a multimodal group consisting of non-narcotic medication, local analgesia and a peripheral nerve block (PNB) versus patients receiving only a PNB. Differences in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) visual analog scores, PACU time to discharge, PACU opioid consumption, hospital admission and complications between protocols were recorded and analyzed. There were 422 patients who underwent 484 surgeries, with 15 patients crossing over pain protocol groups for surgery on the contralateral hip. One hundred and ninety-six patients underwent 213 procedures in the multimodal group and 241 patients underwent 271 procedures in the PNB group. No differences in baseline characteristics were appreciated between groups. Mean time to discharge was significantly shorter in the multimodal group (137.4 ± 49.3 min versus 176.3 ± 6.5 min; P < 0.001) which also had less post-operative admissions (0 versus 9; P = 0.006) than the PNB group. In patients who crossed over protocol groups, a statistically shorter time to discharge was appreciated with the multimodal protocol compared with the PNB protocol (119.9 ± 32.1 min versus 187.9 ± 9.2; P = 0.012). The three-phase, multimodal pain protocol led to significantly faster discharge times and fewer hospital admissions when compared with isolated PNB in patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy.