Reduction of Postoperative Hip Arthroscopy Pain With an Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Regional Anesthesia for Hip Arthroscopy

Pain after hip arthroscopy can be severe, yet we lack a consensus method for non-narcotic analgesia. Here we describe anatomic elements of hip arthroscopy and our current understanding of the relevant sensory innervation as a prelude to the evaluation of locoregional analgesic techniques. Many regional nerve blocks and local anesthetic infiltration techniques are reviewed, including 2 newer ultrasound fascial plane blocks. Further study of targeted, motor-sparing approaches, either ultrasound-guided or under direct surgical visualization is needed.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Patient Data Are Rarely Included in Randomized Controlled Trials for Femoral Acetabular Impingement and Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

Purpose

To determine the rate of reporting for sociodemographic variables in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) and hip arthroscopy.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried for articles relating to FAI and hip arthroscopy. Articles included in final analysis were RCTs investigating operative management of FAI. Included RCTs were analyzed for reporting of age and sex or gender as well as the following sociodemographic variables: race, ethnicity, insurance status, income, housing status, work status, and education level in the results section or any section of the paper. Data was analyzed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests with significance defined as P < .05.

Results

Forty-eight RCTs were identified from 2011 to 2023. Age was reported in 48 of 48 (100%) of included papers; sex or gender was reported in 47 of 48 (97.9%). Reporting of sociodemographic variables in any section respectively was: race (7/48, 14.6%), ethnicity (4/48, 8.33%), insurance status (0/48, 0%), income (1/48, 2.08%), housing status (0/48, 0%), work status (3/48, 6.25%), and education (2/48, 4.17%). There was no significant difference for reporting demographic variables with respect to journal or year of publication (P = .666 and P = .761, respectively). Sociodemographic variables (9/48) were reported significantly less frequently than age and sex or gender (48/48) (P < .001).

Conclusions

This study found that sociodemographic variables in FAI and hip arthroscopy RCTs are reported with much lower frequency than age and sex or gender. These findings may demonstrate the need to include patient sociodemographic data in RCTs so that their results can be better generalized and applied to the appropriate patient population.

Level of Evidence

Level II, systematic review of level I and II evidence.

Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Leads to Small but Consistent Reductions in Pain Between 18 and 24 Hours Postoperatively in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the use of a pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block would reduce perioperative pain after arthroscopic therapy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and to examine opioid requirements and occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

METHODS

Between May 2022 and October 2022, patients (N = 68) undergoing arthroscopic surgery for FAIS were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The first group received an ultrasound-guided PENG preoperatively with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and standardized postoperative oral medication. The second group received a sham block preoperatively with 20 mL of 0.9% saline and standardized postoperative oral medication. The primary end point was pain scores (visual analog score [VAS], 0-10) during the first 24 hours postoperatively. To quantify clinical significance of outcome achievement for the VAS pain score, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using the half standard deviation method. The incidence of PONV as well as opioid usage (converted to morphine equivalent) within the first 24 hours were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Randomization and permission were successfully obtained from 68 participants. From the fifteenth postoperative hour, the PENG group reported significantly less postoperative pain than the control group (24th postoperative hour: VAS pain PENG group 1.3 ± 0.9 [0-3]; 95% confidence interval {CI} 0.4-1.2 vs the VAS pain control group 2.4 ± 1.6 [0-5]; 95% CI 1.4-4.7; P = .009). The VAS pain score threshold for achieving the MCID at 24 hours postoperative was defined as a decrease of 1.1. 27 patients (79%) in the PENG group and 22 patients (65%) in the control group were able to achieve MCID (P = .009). Opioid dosage and postoperative nausea did not differ significantly between groups (P = .987 and P = .655, respectively). Concomitant complications such as falls, hematomas, or weakened muscles did not occur in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, a PENG block minimally reduced pain after arthroscopic treatment for FAIS between the 18th and 24th postoperative hours. The PENG group achieved significantly more often the pain VAS MCID. However, there was no proof that the PENG group consumed fewer opioids than the control group. Overall, PONV was found at a low and comparable rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Does preoperative gabapentin or intraoperative ketorolac influence postoperative pain following hip arthroscopy?

Optimization of perioperative analgesia has important implications for patient satisfaction and short-term outcomes. This study's purpose is to assess if preoperative gabapentin or intraoperative ketorolac influences postoperative pain or time to discharge following hip arthroscopy. In total, 409 patients who underwent hip arthroscopic femoroplasty and/or acetabuloplasty with a single surgeon for femoroacetabular impingement were retrospectively reviewed (September 2017 to February 2021). The effect of preoperative gabapentin or intraoperative ketorolac on postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, perioperative opioids in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), time in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), second-stage recovery and time to discharge was assessed using unadjusted and adjusted t-tests, and generalized linear models controlling for operative time, traction time, preoperative MME, intraoperative MME and postoperative MME were compared between the groups of gabapentin to no gabapentin and ketorolac to no ketorolac. There was no difference in first PACU VAS pain score, final PACU VAS score, VAS pain score prior to discharge, average VAS pain score or pain level on follow-up call in the unadjusted or adjusted analysis for the preoperative gabapentin or intraoperative ketorolac groups. Females had higher first PACU VAS pain score (6.05 versus 5.15 P = 0.0026), final PACU VAS pain score (4.43 versus 3.90, P = 0.0045), final VAS pain score prior to discharge (3.87 versus 3.03, P < 0.001) and average postoperative pain score (4.60 versus 4.03, P < 0.001), but no difference in VAS pain score on follow-up call following surgery. Gabapentin or ketorolac was not associated with decreased VAS pain scores or time to discharge after hip arthroscopy.

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.

Editorial Commentary: The Optimal Nerve Block for Hip Arthroscopy Is Undetermined

The optimal nerve block to help reduce pain after hip arthroscopy is undetermined. The fascia iliaca block was en vogue but may result in weakness, neuropathy, and equivocal pain outcomes. Other options include blocks to the femoral nerve, the lumbar plexus, the quadratus lumborum, and, more recently, the pericapsular nerve group block (PENG), in which ultrasound guidance allows injection under the iliopsoas muscle to affect the accessory obturator nerve and the articular branches of the femoral nerve. PENG block should not result in weakness, but weakness has been reported after PENG block for total hip arthroplasty, and falls could be a risk and a concern. The arthroplasty literature also suggests the PENG block adds little benefit to intra-articular injection beyond the recovery room and is comparable with a fascia iliac block. Perhaps the PENG block could show benefit in select cases such as for severe postoperative pain or in patients with anticipated pain control challenges. Until an ideal block for hip arthroscopy is determined, a patient tailored approach is indicated.

A Novel Approach to Improving Post-Operative Pain and Minimizing Opioid Consumption After a Hip Arthroscopy

Background

There have been many different approaches to controlling pain in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. These include medications, nerve blocks, and intra-articular injections among many others. We introduced a combination of a pre-operative pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block, and intra-operative pericapsular injection of BKK (bupivacaine, ketamine, and ketorolac).

Methods

Patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy were identified. There were three patient cohorts based on type of anesthesia: general anesthesia only (GA), general anesthesia and a pericapsular Marcaine injection (GA/Marcaine), or GA with pre-operative PENG block and an intraoperative BKK pericapsular injection (GA+PENG/BKK). Data collected included post-operative pain scores in the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit), time spent in the PACU, inpatient opioid consumption (both PACU and inpatient), and outpatient opioid prescriptions filled.

Results

20 patients received GA, 11 patients received GA/Marcaine, and 20 patients received GA+PENG/BKK. The GA+PENG/BKK group had average PACU pain score of 3.9 out of 10 compared to 7.7 in the GA group (p<.001) and 6.6 in the GA/Marcaine injection group (p=.048). The GA+PENG/BKK group had shorter mean PACU times than either other group (p<.001). The GA+PENG/BKK also consumed less opioids than the GA or GA/Marcaine groups in the PACU (p<.001), and in the total inpatient stay (p=.002, p=.003), as well as outpatient (p=.019, p=.040).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing a hip arthroscopy, performing a pre-operative PENG block and intra-operative BKK pericapsular injection will result in decreased postoperative pain, PACU time, and inpatient and outpatient opioids compared to general anesthesia only and general anesthesia with intracapsular Marcaine.

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).

Ultrasound Radiomics-Guided Iliac Fascia Block on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Surgery

Objective. Elderly patients with hip surgery are prone to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), leading to health management difficulties. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of ultrasound radiomics-guided iliac fascia block on POCD. Methods. A total of 67 cases of patients who had undergone hip joint surgery were divided into a training set ( $n=47$ ) and a validation set (radiomics-guided group, $n=20$ ). The patients were intervened with ultrasound radiomics-guided iliac fascia block, and the maximum relevance minimum redundancy sifts out the image omics features obtained from 2D ultrasound images of patients. Another 20 patients undergone general anesthesia served as control. The incidence of POCD, the total amount of fentanyl, the visual analogue score (VAS) at different time points, and the levels of CRP and NSE in plasma were compared between the two groups. Results. The AUC on the training and validation sets were higher than 0.940. The incidence of POCD in the radiomics-guided and general anesthesia group was 5% and 30%, respectively ( $P=0.037$ ). Compared with the general anesthesia group, the dosage of fentanyl in the radiomics-guided was lower, the VAS score at 6 h, 1 d, and 2 d after operation was smaller, and the levels of CRP and NSE were lower (all $P<0.05$ ). Conclusions. For elderly patients with hip surgery, the ultrasound radiomics-guided iliac fascia block can reduce the incidence of POCD and improve the effect of nerve block.

Regional Anesthesia for Hip Arthroscopy

Pain after hip arthroscopy can be severe, yet we lack a consensus method for non-narcotic analgesia. Here we describe anatomic elements of hip arthroscopy and our current understanding of the relevant sensory innervation as a prelude to the evaluation of locoregional analgesic techniques. Many regional nerve blocks and local anesthetic infiltration techniques are reviewed, including 2 newer ultrasound fascial plane blocks. Further study of targeted, motor-sparing approaches, either ultrasound-guided or under direct surgical visualization is needed.

The Erector Spinae Plane Block in the Setting of Hip Arthroscopy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the use of an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) would reduce perioperative pain after arthroscopic therapy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and to examine the amount of additional opioids and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

METHODS

From October 2019 to October 2020, 68 patients undergoing arthroscopic therapy for FAIS were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The first group received an ultrasound-guided ESPB preoperatively with 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and standard postoperative oral medication. The second group received a sham block preoperatively with 30 mL of 0.9% saline and standard postoperative oral medication. The primary endpoint was pain scores (numeric pain score out of 10) during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were opioid consumption during the first 24 hours (converted to morphine equivalents) and the incidence of PONV. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded for all patients. Categorial data were compared with chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Continuous data were compared with 2-sided t tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight subjects consented and were successfully randomized. Reported postoperative pain was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the control group during the first 24 hours. The opioid amount (P = .865) and postoperative nausea (P = .642) did not differ significantly between groups. No associated complications such as falls, hematomas, or muscular weakness occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that ESPB significantly decreases pain in the first 24 hours after arthroscopic therapy for FAIS. However, there was no evidence of lower opioid consumption compared with the control group. Overall, a low and comparable rate of PONV was present. Therefore, the ESPB seems to complement a multimodal approach to perioperative pain management in hip arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1, randomized controlled trial.

Fascia Iliaca Block for Postoperative Pain Control After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Various analgesic modalities have been used to improve postoperative pain in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy of the fascia iliaca block (FIB) with that of other analgesic modalities after hip arthroscopy in terms of postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase up to April 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients after hip arthroscopy with FIB versus other pain control modalities. The search phrase used was "hip arthroscopy fascia iliaca randomized." Patients were evaluated based on postoperative pain scores and total postoperative analgesic consumption.

RESULTS

Five studies (3 level 1, 2 level 2) were identified that met inclusion criteria, including 157 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with FIB (mean age, 38.3 years; 44.6% men) and 159 patients among the following comparison groups: lumbar plexus block (LPB), intra-articular ropivacaine (IAR), local anesthetic infiltration (LAI), saline placebo, and a no-block control group (overall mean age, 36.2 years; 36.5% men). No significant differences in pain scores were reported in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) between the FIB and LPB (3.4 vs 2.9; P = .054), IAR (7.7 vs 7.9; P = .72), control group (no FIB: 4.1 vs 3.8; P = .76); or saline placebo (difference, -0.2 [95% CI, -1.1 to 0.7]). One study reported significantly higher pain scores at 1 hour postoperation in the FIB group compared with the LAI group (5.5 vs 3.4; P = .02). Another study reported significantly greater total analgesic consumption (in morphine equivalent dosing) in the PACU among the FIB group compared with the LPB group (20.8 vs 17.0; P = .02). No significant differences were observed in total PACU analgesic consumption between FIB and other analgesic modalities.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, the FIB does not appear to demonstrate superiority to other forms of analgesics in the immediate postoperative period. Therefore, it is not recommended as a routine form of pain control for these procedures.

The impact of fascia iliaca nerve blockade on early postoperative pain and recovery after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

Fascia iliaca nerve blockade (FIB) has been previously described as an effective technique for reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). We hypothesize that an FIB will significantly reduce opioid consumption, pain scores and recovery time in our population. A retrospective observational study of 326 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS at a single institution was performed. Patients were classified based on whether or not they received an FIB. Patient demographics, surgical details, medication details and 6-month postoperative outcomes were collected. The primary endpoint was the amount of narcotics required intraoperatively and in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Of the 326 patients included in the study, 37 received an FIB. No differences in sex, age or other surgical details were observed between groups. Patients receiving an FIB were more likely to receive celecoxib (P < 0.001), pregabalin (P = 0.001) and methocarbamol (P = 0.002). The FIB group received lower doses of narcotics intraoperatively (P = 0.001), postoperatively (P < 0.001) and in total (P < 0.001). The FIB group also self-reported lower first pain scores upon arrival to PACU (P = 0.001) and experienced shorter PACU recovery times (P < 0.001). After controlling for differences between groups, patients who received an FIB required significantly lower amounts of narcotics, had shorter PACU times and lower first PACU pain score than those who did not (P < 0.001). No differences in complication rates were noted between groups. The use of FIB resulted in lower pain scores, reduced recovery time and decreased early postoperative narcotic requirements for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement. Further study is required to validate these findings and determine the optimal approach to regional analgesia in this patient population.

Increased hip arthroscopy operative duration is an independent risk factor for overnight hospital admission

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between operative duration and short-term complications as well as overnight hospital admission following hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

Hip arthroscopy cases from 2006 to 2016 were retrieved from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry, which prospectively collects 30-day postoperative complications. Patients were stratified into the following groups based on procedure length: group 1 (< 60 min), group 2 (60-120 min), and group 3 (> 120 min). Preoperative characteristics were compared across the cohorts. Multivariate regressions were used to compare complication rates and overnight hospital admission between the three groups. Independent risk factors for overnight hospital admission were characterized.

RESULTS

A total of 2129 hip arthroscopy cases were identified. Average operative duration was 99.3 ± 55.7 min. As operative time increased, patients were more likely to be younger, male, and had lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (p < 0.001). Body mass index and comorbidity profiles were similar across the patient cohorts, with the exception of hypertension being more prevalent in the shorter operative time cohort (p < 0.001). Patients in group 3 were more likely to stay overnight in the hospital (26.0%) compared to patients in groups 1 (7.7%) and 2 (10.9%), p < 0.001). All postoperative complication rates were otherwise similar between the cohorts. Independent risk factors for overnight hospital admission included increasing operative time (most notably > 120 min relative to < 60 min, relative risk [RR] = 3.53, 95% CI 2.50-5.00, p < 0.001) and increasing ASA classification (most notably ASA III or IV relative to ASA I, RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.18-2.27; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing operative duration was not associated with increased postoperative complications following hip arthroscopy. However, patients were more than three times likely to stay in the hospital overnight if their surgery was longer than 120 min, relative to cases that were less than 60 min.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

A Comparative Analysis of the Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Femoral Nerve and Fascia Iliaca Blocks in Hip Arthroscopy

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of the single-shot quadratus lumborum (QL) block versus femoral nerve and fascia iliacus (F/FI) blocks performed preoperatively on perioperative opioid requirements, subjective pain scores, and time to discharge.

Methods

Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and had a preoperative nerve block between January 2017 and August 2019 at our institution were identified. Patients were separated into 2 groups: those who either received a preoperative single-shot QL block or a preoperative single-shot F/FI block. All patients received general anesthesia. Intraoperative, postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and total morphine equivalents were analyzed using unpaired t test. Secondary outcome measures including total time in PACU and block-related complications were recorded and analyzed as well.

Results

One hundred one patients were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-three patients received preoperative QL blocks, and 58 patients received preoperative F/FI blocks. Demographics and operative characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Patients receiving a QL block required significantly lower total morphine equivalents (63.1 vs 87.0, P < .001). Patients receiving a QL block also had shorter PACU stays (116 vs 148 minutes, P < .001) and lower subjective pain scores at the time of discharge (3.27 vs 4.98, P < .001) compared with the F/FI block group. There were also significant decreases in the number of intraoperative opioids (42.1 vs 58.4, P < .001) and PACU opioids (20.7 vs 28.7, P = .03) used when analyzed separately. Two patients in the femoral nerve block group had noted a fall postoperatively while the block was in effect. No patients in the QL block group had a block-related complication.

Conclusions

Patients receiving a preoperative QL block for hip arthroscopy demonstrated lower total opioid requirements, shorter PACU stay, and lower pain scores at discharge than patients receiving preoperative F/FI blocks with no reported adverse events.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative trial.