Comparing two nerve blocks for pain management after hip replacement surgery

The Pericapsular Nerve Block in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional LifeBridge Health · NCT04729686

This study is testing which of two types of nerve blocks helps adults feel less pain after hip replacement surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorLifeBridge Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT04729686 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the pericapsular nerve block compared to the fascia iliaca nerve block for managing postoperative pain in adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty. It is a single-center, randomized, controlled trial where participants will receive one of the two nerve block regimens as part of their standard care. The goal is to improve pain management, enhance recovery, and reduce complications associated with inadequate pain control after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for primary total hip arthroplasty with an ASA score of 1 to 3 who are opioid naïve.

Not a fit: Patients with a current or previous diagnosis of chronic pain or those who are opioid tolerant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing total hip replacement, resulting in faster recovery and reduced hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with nerve blocks for pain management in hip surgeries, but the pericapsular nerve block is a newer approach that requires further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Planned primary total hip arthroplasty with anterior (Smith-Peterson) approach
* ASA score of 1 to 3
* Indicated for one of the two nerve block groups
* Must be opioid naïve at screening as defined by the FDA - According to the Food and Drug Administration, opioid-tolerant patients were those currently receiving or who had previously received 60 mg PO morphine per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg PO oxycodone per day, 8 mg PO hydromorphone per day, 25 mg PO oxymorphone per day, 60 mg PO hydrocodone per day, or an equivalent dose of another opioid for a duration of one week or longer (16)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or previous diagnosis of "chronic pain"
* Opioid tolerant at time of screening (for a week or longer, at least 60 mg of morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid.)
* Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis
* Allergy to any potential medications utilized in any of the two groups
* Conversion of patient to general anesthesia intraoperatively
* Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention for pain
* Any condition(s) or diagnosis, both physical or psychological, or physical exam finding in the opinion of the investigator that would precludes participation

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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 Hip OsteoarthritisHip ArthropathyTotal Hip ArthroplastyTotal Hip ReplacementHip ArthroplastyHip ReplacementPostoperative Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.