Comparing two nerve blocks for pain relief in hip fracture patients in the emergency department

Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block vs. the Fascia Iliaca Compartment (FIC) Block for Patients With Isolated Hip Fractures in the Emergency Department

NA · Maimonides Medical Center · NCT05102760

This study is testing which of two nerve blocks can better relieve pain in adults with hip fractures who come to the emergency room.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 110 Years
SexAll
SponsorMaimonides Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Brooklyn, New York)
Trial IDNCT05102760 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the efficacy of two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and the fascia iliaca compartment (FIC) block, for providing pain relief in adult patients with hip fractures presenting to the emergency department. Both techniques are designed to offer long-lasting, opioid-sparing analgesia, which is particularly important for elderly patients who may be more susceptible to the side effects of opioids. Participants will receive either the PENG block or the FIC block, and their pain levels will be assessed before and after the procedure. The study hypothesizes that the PENG block will provide pain relief that is at least as effective as the FIC block.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients over 18 years old with isolated hip fractures and a pain score of 5 or greater.

Not a fit: Patients with multi-system trauma, those unable to communicate their pain levels, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for elderly patients with hip fractures, reducing reliance on opioids and minimizing side effects.

How similar studies have performed: While the PENG block is a newer technique, similar studies comparing nerve blocks for pain management have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult Emergency Medicine Patients over 18 years of age
* Isolated hip fracture, intertrocanteric or more proximal
* Pain score 5 or greater on a scale of 0 to 10 just prior to nerve block placement

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with multi-system trauma
* People who are unable to communicate their level of pain\\
* Pregnant patients
* Pediatric Patients (less than 18 years of age)
* Intoxicated Patients
* Abnormal Vital Signs (HR\>120bpm, MAP \<65, Pulse Ox \<95%)
* Patients on long term systemic opioid analgesia
* Allergy to amide local anesthetics

Where this trial is running

Brooklyn, New York

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: Pain, Hip Fracture, Nerve Block, Ultrasound

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.