Riassunto dello studio

Forty patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive a postoperative pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block (n=20) or a suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (SIFIB). The primary outcome of interest was quadriceps weakness at 6 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, sensory deficits, ability to perform physiotherapy and opioid consumption. The PENG group had a significantly lower incidence of quadriceps weakness at both 3 and 6 hours postoperatively. The PENG group also had significantly greater preservation of hip adduction at 3 hours postoperatively. The PENG group had reduced sensory deficits at all time points postoperatively. There were small differences in pain scores with activity at 3 and 36 hours postoperatively but otherwise no differences in pain was noted. No difference in ability to perform physiotherapy, opioid consumption or hospital length of stay were found between groups.