Comparing two pain relief techniques for hip fracture surgery

Study Comparing the Efficacy of Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block and Facia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) in Hip Fracture - A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT05154318

This study is testing two different pain relief methods for people having hip fracture surgery to see which one works better for managing pain after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05154318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pericapsular Nerve Group Block (PENG) compared to the Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) in managing pain for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. It will assess pain scores during the postoperative period, as well as secondary outcomes such as range of movement and quadriceps power. The study will involve ultrasound-guided techniques to ensure accurate nerve targeting, which may improve pain management and reduce opioid consumption. The research is particularly relevant given the increasing incidence of hip fractures in the elderly population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include Chinese patients aged 18 and above, scheduled for hip fracture corrective surgery at Queen Mary Hospital, and who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities (ASA III or above), allergies to local anesthetics, or those with pre-existing conditions affecting mobility may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for hip fracture patients, enhancing recovery and reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar nerve block techniques, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though the PENG block itself is a newer method.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA I-II
* Age 18 or above
* Scheduled for hip fracture corrective surgery in Queen Mary Hospital
* Chinese patients
* Able to provide informed oral and written consent
* Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) 7 or above

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* ASA III or above
* Allergy to local anaesthetics, opioids, paracetamol, NSAID including COX-2 inhibitors
* Operation delayed for more than 2 days on admission
* Pre-existing peripheral neuropathy or history of stroke
* Preoperative non-walker
* Pre-existing osteoarthritis of knee (KL grade 4)
* Multiple fractures (additional to hip fracture)
* Sepsis
* Impaired renal function (Defined as preoperative creatinine level \>120 μmol or eGFR \<50% of normal reference for their age group
* Patient with coagulopathy (Platelet \< 100 or INR \>1.5)
* Prior surgery at the inguinal or supra-inguinal area

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Acute 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.