The utility of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block versus intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia in anterior approach total hip arthroplasty: a multicentre triple blinded randomised controlled trial protocol.

Background: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a novel regional technique for hip analgesia. Traditionally, intrathecal morphine has been administered for analgesia in hip fracture surgery. Compared with intrathecal morphine, the PENG block may provide superior or equivalent pain score reduction with a more favourable side effect profile and superior patient satisfaction.

Methods: This is a multicentre blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) that is being conducted at present at two large teaching institutions in Australia. The pericapsular nerve group block (PENG block) shall be compared to low-dose intrathecal morphine for analgesic effect in elective total Hip arthroplasty via the direct anterior approach. Primary outcome shall be dynamic pain score evaluation at 3 and 24 h postoperatively.

Discussion: This is the protocol of our RCT which is currently in the early stages of active recruitment.

Trial registration: Ethics approval was obtained from the Southern Area Local Health Network prior to recruitment of the first patient. This trial was prospectively registered prior to initiation on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12623001309673P, 15/12/23, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=386688&showOriginal=true&isReview=true .