Comparing nerve block and morphine for pain relief after hip surgery

Pericapsular Nerve Block Versus Intrathecal Morphine for Analgesia After Primary Hip Arthroplasty: a Double Blind, Non-inferiority Study

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois · NCT06317870

This study tests whether a nerve block can provide the same pain relief as morphine for people recovering from hip surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud)
Trial IDNCT06317870 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a pericapsular nerve block (PENG) against intrathecal morphine for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the PENG block or intrathecal morphine, with both groups receiving spinal anesthesia. The study will evaluate pain scores, morphine consumption, and any related side effects to determine if the PENG block provides equivalent analgesia to morphine. A total of 80 patients will be enrolled in this double-blind, non-inferiority trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective primary hip arthroplasty who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing opioid use, renal or hepatic insufficiency, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective alternative to morphine for postoperative pain management, potentially reducing opioid use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with nerve blocks for postoperative pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female patients
* ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) I-III
* 18 years of age or older
* Patients scheduled for elective primary hip arthroplasty
* Able to give written conformed consent autonomously

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal or inability to give consent
* Allergy to any of: ropivacaine, paracetamol, ibuprofen, ketorolac, morphine, ondansetron or dexamethasone
* Bleeding diathesis
* Neurological deficit of the operative side
* Existing preoperative opioid use
* Renal insufficiency (GFR\<30ml/min according to the Cockroft-Gault formula)
* Hepatic insufficiency
* Pregnant or lactating women

Where this trial is running

Lausanne, Canton of Vaud

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnalgesiaHip ArthropathyPost Operative Painnerve blockintrathecal morphinepostoperative painhip arthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.