PENG block: continuous infusion versus programmed intermittent bolus for hip fracture pain
A Double Blind Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Continuous Infusion vs. Programmed Intermittent Bolus Via a Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Catheter for Post Operative Fractured Neck of Femur Analgesia
This will see if giving levobupivacaine through a PENG block as a continuous infusion or as timed intermittent boluses provides better pain relief for adults after neck of femur (hip) fracture surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University College Cork Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cork, Cork) |
| Trial ID | NCT07046052 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block is a regional analgesia technique used to control pain after neck of femur fracture. In this interventional protocol patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty receive a PENG block with an indwelling catheter and are assigned to either continuous infusion or programmed intermittent bolus delivery of levobupivacaine. Analgesic effectiveness, opioid consumption, delirium incidence, and adverse events are recorded in the postoperative period to compare the two dosing strategies. The trial is conducted at Cork University Hospital and enrolls adult patients able to provide written consent.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) having hemiarthroplasty for a fractured neck of femur who can give written consent, speak English, and have no contraindications to peripheral nerve blocks are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to peripheral nerve block (local infection, allergy to local anaesthetic, coagulopathy), those under 50 kg, pregnant women, vulnerable adults under guardianship, or people with chronic pain and long-term opioid use may not gain benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, one dosing strategy could provide better or longer-lasting pain relief after hip fracture surgery and reduce opioid use and related complications.
How similar studies have performed: PENG blocks have been shown to provide effective analgesia after hip fracture, but direct comparisons between continuous infusion and programmed intermittent bolus dosing have not been clearly established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking * over the age of 18 years * hemiarthroplasty for fractured neck of femur * able to provide written consent. Exclusion Criteria: * under 50kg body weight. * unable to provide consent due to incapacity * pregnant women * vulnerable adults under state guardianship * Patients with pre-existing chronic pain disorders or with a history of long-term opioid use * those with contraindications to a peripheral nerve block such as local site infection, allergy to local anaesthetic or those who are coagulopathic
Where this trial is running
Cork, Cork
- Cork University Hospital — Cork, Cork, Ireland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brian D O'Donnell, MBBChBAO MSc FCARCSI MD
- Email: briodnl@gmail.com
- Phone: +353872780225
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.