QLESP Block Versus PENG+LFCN Block for Total Hip Arthroplasty
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-70
SponsorHuazhong University of Science and Technology
About this trial
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common surgery to replace damaged hip joints, but many patients experience significant pain after surgery, which can delay recovery and increase the need for strong pain medications (opioids). Nerve blocks are a technique where anesthetic medication is injected near specific nerves to reduce pain. This study compares two different ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques for pain control after THA: the QLESP block (a newer technique that targets two areas with a single injection) and the PENG block combined with the LFCN block (a currently used technique that targets nerves around the hip joint and the outer thigh). Participants in this study will be randomly assigned (like a coin flip) to receive either the QLESP block or the PENG+LFCN block after surgery. The study aims to determine which nerve block provides better pain relief and reduces the need for opioid pain medications in the first 24 hours after surgery. Pain scores, recovery of leg movement, time to first walk, length of hospital stay, and any side effects will also be compared between the two groups.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Age 18 to 70 years
Scheduled for elective unilateral total hip arthroplasty via posterolateral approach
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
Body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m²
Disqualifiers
Allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics (ropivacaine)
Long-term opioid use or chronic pain history requiring regular analgesic use
Active malignancy or infection at the puncture site
Severe psychiatric disorders or communication barriers
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
QLESP Block
Procedure/SurgeryUltrasound-guided quadratus lumborum and modified erector spinae plane block. A single-puncture, dual-injection technique at the L4 level. Total volume: 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine.
PENG+LFCN Block
Procedure/SurgeryUltrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block combined with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block. PENG: 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine; LFCN: 10 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine.
ropivacaine
DrugRopivacaine hydrochloride injection, 0.375% solution, administered as a single dose via ultrasound-guided nerve block. Total dose: 112.5 mg (30 mL of 0.375% solution) for the QLESP group; 112.5 mg (30 mL of 0.375% solution) for the PENG+LFCN group.
Treatment groups
136 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: QLESP GroupExperimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: PENG+LFCN GroupActive comparator 2 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Postoperative 24-Hour Cumulative Opioid Consumption
Time frame
At 24 hours after surgerySecondary outcomes
1
Postoperative VAS Pain Scores
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a 10-cm line ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate worse pain. Pain scores are assessed at rest and during movement (passive hip flexion to 15 degrees) at each time point.
Time frame
At 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after surgery2
Rescue Analgesia Requirement
Time frame
Within 24 hours after surgery3
Motor Block Assessment (Bromage Score)
The Bromage Score is a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (no motor block, able to perform full knee flexion and foot dorsiflexion against resistance) to 3 (complete motor block, unable to move knee or foot). Higher scores indicate worse motor function. Assessed on the operative side at each time point. A score of 0-1 is considered clinically acceptable for early ambulation.
Time frame
At 6, 24, and 48 hours after surgery4
Time to First Ambulation
Time frame
From surgery end to first walk, up to 7 daysSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov