Study Summary

One hundred and six patients with hip osteoarthritis undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive a pericapsular nerve group block with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block (n=53) or a lateral quadratus lumborum block (n=53). The primary outcome of interest was cumulative opioid consumption (intravenous morphine milligram equivalents). Secondary outcomes of interest included postoperative pain scores, time to ambulation, length of stay, and patient-reported functional outcomes (HOOS JR and PROMIS-10). Outcomes were assessed up to 72 hours postoperatively, with additional functional follow-up at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the lateral quadratus lumborum block resulted in significantly lower cumulative opioid consumption between 60–72 hours and lower pain scores with movement compared with the pericapsular nerve group block with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block. These findings suggest that lateral QLB may provide superior opioid-sparing analgesia following total hip arthroplasty.