PENG block: continuous infusion versus programmed intermittent bolus for hip fracture pain
Official title: 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
Run by University College Cork · NCT07046052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University College Cork Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cork, Cork) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 28, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 7, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 7, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07046052 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Total Intravenous Versus Inhalational Anesthesia in Hip Fracture Surgery
This study compares TIVA with sevoflurane anesthesia in people 65 and older undergoing hip fracture surgery to see which method helps them recover better after surgery.
-
Comparison of meta-PENG vs suprainguinal fascia iliaca block for hip fracture pain
This study tests whether two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks help with pain control for adults having hip fracture surgery under spinal anesthesia.
-
Frailty plus Nottingham Hip Fracture Score to predict 90-day death risk after hip surgery
This project will test whether adding a quick frailty check (Clinical Frailty Scale) to the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score helps doctors better predict 90-day death risk for people aged 60 and older having hip fracture surgery.
-
MDW blood test to predict complications and survival after hip fracture
This will test whether a routine blood measure called Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW) can help predict complications or death in people aged 65 and older who have a low-energy hip fracture.
-
Comparing regional (spinal) versus general anesthesia effects on breathing after hip fracture surgery
This study will test whether spinal (regional) or general anesthesia leads to better oxygen levels in people over 65 having hip fracture surgery.
-
Delirium Zero protocol to prevent delirium after hip fracture surgery
This trial will try whether a family-led Delirium Zero protocol (orientation poster, wall clock, and a caregiver checklist) can prevent delirium in people over 65 having hip fracture surgery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.