Comparing PENG Block and Local Anesthetic Infiltration for Hip Surgery Pain Relief

Ultrasound-guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block vs. Intraoperative Local Anesthetic Infiltration (ILAI) for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA): a Single Center, Non-inferiority Randomized Control Trial Pilot Study.

Not applicable Interventional London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT05898581

This study is testing if a new pain relief method called the PENG block works as well as the usual local anesthetic for people having hip replacement surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05898581 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block compared to traditional intraoperative local anesthetic infiltration for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The PENG block aims to provide effective pain relief while minimizing motor weakness, which is a common side effect of other nerve blocks. The study will include adult patients who are undergoing THA with a direct lateral surgical approach and will assess the analgesic outcomes and cost benefits associated with each method. The goal is to determine if the PENG block can offer non-inferior pain management compared to the standard infiltration technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for total hip arthroplasty using a direct lateral surgical approach.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with contraindications for spinal anesthesia or regional analgesia, as well as those undergoing hip revision surgeries.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While traditional nerve blocks have been widely studied, the PENG block is a newer technique with limited data, making this study a novel exploration in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patient (\>18 years old)
2. Undergoing THA with a direct lateral surgical approach (transgluteal approach)
3. Ability to provide verbal/written consent to participate in this trial

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient with any contraindication for spinal anesthesia
2. Patient with any contraindication for regional analgesia
3. Patient undergoing THA with a direct anterior surgical approach
4. Patients undergoing THA for hip revision
5. Patients undergoing THA under One Day Stay (ODS) admission
6. Patients that received opioids intrathecally
7. Patients having residual motor block six hours after the completion of the spinal anesthesia.
8. Patients with a history of regular opioid intake for more than three months
9. Patients incapable of performing knee extension of the same operative side
10. Pregnant patients

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

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 Anesthesiaanesthesiatotal hip arthroplastyPericapsular Nerve Group Block
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.