Comparing pain management techniques in hip surgery

Comparative Assessment of Effectiveness and Safety of Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block (L-ESPB) Versus Absence of Locoregional Block in Hip Surgery

PHASE4 · Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro · NCT06567522

This study is testing if a specific pain management technique can help older patients having hip surgery feel less pain and recover better compared to not using it.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Álvaro Cunqueiro (other)
Locations1 site (Vigo, Pontevedra)
Trial IDNCT06567522 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block (L-ESPB) compared to no locoregional block in patients undergoing hip surgery. It focuses on elderly patients with hip fractures or coxarthrosis, who often have multiple comorbidities and are at risk of inadequate pain management. The study aims to determine if the L-ESPB can reduce opioid consumption and improve recovery outcomes. Participants will receive ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia to assess its impact on pain control and postoperative recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old undergoing hip surgery with an ASA classification of I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the procedure or severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and faster recovery for patients undergoing hip surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia can effectively reduce opioid use and improve recovery in similar surgical contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Both sexes over 18 years of age having undergone hip surgery
* ASA I-III (classification system used by the American Society of Anesthesiologists where I is low anesthetic risk and IV is high risk)
* Capacity to comprehend the principles of pain assessment using the VAS visual analogue scale
* Previously signed an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications for the technique and/or the drugs used in this context
* Technical inability to perform the block
* Severe cognitive impairment or prior mental disabilities described in their medical records
* Patients already included in other clinical trials.

Where this trial is running

Vigo, Pontevedra

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hip Fractures, Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.