The Pericapsular Nerve Block in Total Hip Arthroplasty

This is a single center, randomized, controlled trial in adult subjects undergoing total hip arthroplasty that will receive one of two different nerve block regimens for pain management as part of standard of care. Effective pain control after surgery for total hip replacement is a critical element in patient recovery. Particularly, in the first few days, as majority of patients may experience significant pain. Improved pain management after surgery contributes to better healing, faster patient mobility, shortened hospital stays, and reduced healthcare costs. While pain management is an important factor in total hip replacement, pain after surgery has yet to be improved. Inadequate pain control can lead to delayed movement, thereby increasing the risk for complications such as blood clots in the legs (deep venous thrombosis - blood clots in your veins) with some patients developing blood clots in their lungs (pulmonary embolus). In addition to pain medications after surgery, nerve blocks such as the femoral or fascia iliaca, have been used as supporting therapy for pain management after a total hip replacement. While these nerve blocks are used on a regular basis, they do have limitations which can produce inconsistent results for pain control and use of pain medications after surgery. With no clear superior nerve block for total hip replacement, a new nerve block, called the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has emerged. It has demonstrated the ability to prolong pain relief and decrease the use of pain medications after surgery. Therefore, a randomized study comparing the PENG block to other blocks established within the anesthesia community (e.g., fascia iliaca block) will allow for providers to understand the capabilities this block has in the setting of a total hip replacement. In addition to your normal standard clinical care, there will scheduled pre-operative, operative, 2-week, and 4-6 week follow-up visits.