[Translated article] Pericapsular nerves block (PENG) is an effective and safe alternative for postoperative pain management after primary total hip arthroplasty: A randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty can affect postoperative rehabilitation and delay hospital discharge. The objective of this study is to compare pericapsular nerves group (PENG) block with pericapsular infiltration (PAI) and plexus nerve block (PNB) for postoperative pain management, response to physical therapy, opioid consumption, and length of hospital stay after a primary total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Randomised clinical trial of parallel and blinded groups was performed. Sixty patients who underwent elective THA between December 2018 and July 2020 were randomised into the different groups (PENG, PAI and PNB). The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain; and motor function was measured with the Bromage scale. We also record opioid usage, length of hospital stay, and related medical complications.

RESULTS

Pain level at discharge was similar in all groups. Hospital stay was 1 day shorter in the PENG group (p<0.001) and they also had lower opioid consumption (p=0.044). Optimal motor recovery was similar in the groups (p=0.678). Pain control when performing physical therapy was better in the PENG group (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

PENG block is an effective and safe alternative for patients undergoing THA as it reduces opioid consumption and hospital stay compared to other analgesic methods.

Pericapsular nerves block (PENG) is an effective and safe alternative for postoperative pain management after primary total hip arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty can affect postoperative rehabilitation and delay hospital discharge. The objective of this study is to compare pericapsular nerves group (PENG) block with pericapsular infiltration (PAI) and plexus nerve block (PNB) for postoperative pain management, response to physical therapy, opioid consumption, and length of hospital stay after a primary total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trial of parallel and blinded groups was performed. Sixty patients who underwent elective THA between December 2018 and July 2020 were randomized into the different groups (PENG, PAI and PNB). The visual analog scale was used to assess pain; and motor function was measured with the Bromage scale. We also record opioid usage, length of hospital stay, and related medical complications.

RESULTS

Pain level at discharge was similar in all groups. Hospital stay was 1 day shorter in the PENG group (p<0.001) and they also had lower opioid consumption (p=0.044). Optimal motor recovery was similar in the groups (p=0.678). Pain control when performing physical therapy was better in the PENG group (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

PENG block is an effective and safe alternative for patients undergoing THA as it reduces opioid consumption and hospital stay compared to other analgesic methods.

Single-shot epidural-spinal anesthesia followed by oral oxycodone/naloxone and ketoprofen combination in patients undergoing total hip replacement: analgesic efficacy and tolerability

BACKGROUND

Many patients undergoing hip replacement have inadequate postoperative pain control, leading to suboptimal recovery. Oxycodone is effective in controlling pain, but is associated with adverse events such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). In patients with chronic pain, oral oxycodone-naloxone combination (OXN) provides comparable analgesia with fewer side effects. This retrospective, single-centre study evaluated analgesic effectiveness and tolerability of single-shot epidural spinal anaesthesia followed by OXN after total hip replacement.

METHODS

Consecutive patients received perioperative spinal-epidural anaesthesia, OXN 10/5 mg and oral ketoprofen 100 mg q 12h for 4 days. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed on the evening post surgery and days 1-3 after. Efficacy endpoints included pain intensity at rest and upon movement (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS] Score), rescue analgesia and patient satisfaction (0-3 point scale).

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-two patients were included in the observation (57.2% women, mean age 62.9±12 years). After surgery, pain intensity remained well controlled, both at rest (mean NRS: 1.1, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.2 on days 0-3 respectively; P=ns) and upon movement (2.1, 2.4, 2.1 and 2.0; P=ns). No patient reported severe pain throughout the observation. Rescue paracetamol was required on days 0-3 in 17.0%, 18.4%, 12.4% and 12.1% of patients, respectively (P<0.009); no patient required additional intravenous rescue morphine. Seventy-two percent of patients were 'very satisfied' with postoperative pain therapy.

CONCLUSION

Single-shot epidural spinal anaesthesia followed by OXN-based analgesia after hip replacement provided effective pain management, with high patient satisfaction rates.