60 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to either a lumbar plexus block (LPB) or a paravertebral nerve block (PVB) at L2 as a method of postoperative analgesia. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the L2 PVB as an alternative to LPB, as it has been suggested that motor function may be benefited through using L2 PVB. Patients were monitored for the first 24 postoperative hours for cumulative morphine consumption through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, postoperative pain at rest and on movement, and weakness of the quadriceps and hip flexors. Results demonstrated that while the effect of L2 PVB on postoperative pain was similar to that of LPB, motor function was not significantly difference between groups. Additionally, mean morphine consumption over the first 24h was significantly increased in patients who received the L2 PVB