Riassunto dello studio

103 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabulaar impingement were randomized to receive either 30ml of 0.5% bupivacaine in a transmuscular quadratus lumborum block with pericapsular injection (QLB + PCI; n=52) or PCI alone (n-51). The primary outcome of interest was postoperative pain scores assessed via the numerical rating scale (NRS) at 30 minutes postoperatively and immediately prior to discharge. Secondary outcomes of interest included opioid utilization expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery time, quadriceps strength, and adverse events. Outcomes were assessed immediately postoperatively and at discharge from the PACU. Overall, the results of the study revealed no difference in postoperative NRS pain scores or total opioid consumption between groups. However, intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly lower in the transmuscular quadratus lumborum block group. The study concludes that while the transmuscular quadratus lumborum block with PCI does not improve postoperative pain scores or reduce total opioid consumption compared to PCI alone, it may decrease the amount of intraoperative opioid use, suggesting a potential role in specific perioperative pain management strategies.