Riassunto dello studio

Eighty-nine patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to receive either the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block (n=30), the quadratus lumborum block (QLB; n=30), or intra-articular (IA) injection (n=29). The primary outcome of interest was the postoperative pain score measured by the numerical rating scale (NRS) over the first 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid consumption, quadriceps and adductor muscle strength, and quality of recovery (QoR-40). Outcomes were assessed up to 48 hours postoperatively. Overall, the study found that the PENG and QLB blocks provided superior pain relief compared to the IA injection, with the PENG block showing better preservation of quadriceps muscle strength and earlier mobilization. The findings suggest that the PENG block offers effective analgesia and motor preservation, making it a favorable option for postoperative pain management in THA.