Pain relief technique for hip surgery

Quadratus Lumborum (QL) Nerve Block for Patients Undergoing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)

EARLY_PHASE1 · University of California, Los Angeles · NCT05247255

This study is testing if a pain relief technique called the quadratus lumborum block can help people feel less pain after hip surgery compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles (other)
Locations1 site (Santa Monica, California)
Trial IDNCT05247255 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the quadratus lumborum block in providing pain relief for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a QL block with ropivacaine or a placebo (saline). The primary outcome measured will be pain scores during the first 48 hours post-surgery, allowing researchers to assess the analgesic benefits of this technique. The study aims to improve postoperative outcomes and enhance patient comfort after hip surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for elective primary total hip arthroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with allergies to local anesthetics, or those with contraindications to regional anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and improve recovery for hip surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar nerve block techniques, suggesting potential efficacy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult subjects undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients age \< 18,
* documented allergy to local anesthetic
* presence of peripheral neuropathy
* patients with current long term opioid use defined as receiving an opioid on most days in a 90 day period
* patients with a contraindication to spinal and regional anesthesia such as coagulopathy or infection at the site of the regional technique.

Where this trial is running

Santa Monica, California

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, Postoperative, quadratus lumborum nerve block, analgesia, total hip arthroplasty, postoperative outcomes

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.