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NCT Number: NCT07040423

MRI-Based Assessment of Local Anesthetic Spread in the PENG Block Compartment

This study uses MRI imaging to evaluate the spread of local anesthetic following the administration of a pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block. The goal is to determine whether a distinct fascial plane exists between neurovascular structures, potentially explaining the block's observed clinical effectiveness.

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Key information

Conditions

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) Acute Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Pain Management After Total Hip Arthroplasty Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico

Roma, Italy, 00128

About this study

The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has demonstrated promising clinical results in providing analgesia for hip-related pain, particularly in patients with femoral neck fractures or undergoing hip surgery. However, the exact mechanism of action and spread of local anesthetic remain poorly understood. This pilot study aims to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the distribution pattern of the injectate after PENG block administration.

High-resolution MRI scans will be obtained shortly after the procedure to assess the spatial relationship between the spread of local anesthetic, relevant anatomical structures (including the iliopsoas muscle, femoral artery, and femoral nerve), and potential fascial compartments. The findings will help to clarify the anatomic basis of the PENG block and may guide optimization of technique for enhanced clinical outcomes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients scheduled for total hip replacement surgery
  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • ASA physical status classification I-III
  • Signed informed consent obtained
  • Orthopedic indication for preoperative MRI study

Exclusion criteria

  • Allergy to local anesthetics
  • Infection at the planned puncture site
  • Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
  • Age < 18 years
  • Claustrophobia
  • Altered consciousness or severe dementia
  • Presence of MRI-incompatible implanted devices (e.g., pacemakers implanted before 2000)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Treatment and study plan

PENG block

Procedure

Preoperative ultrasound giuded PENG block (ropivacaine 0,5% 20mL)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Procedure

The patient will undergo a pelvic MRI to assess anesthetic diffusion after PENG block

Primary outcomes

  1. Extent of local anesthetic spread as visualized on MRI after PENG block administration

    Time frame: 10 minutes after injection

    MRI images will be used to assess the diffusion pattern of local anesthetic following PENG (Pericapsular Nerve Group) block. The assessment will focus on whether the anesthetic reaches a specific fascial plane between the femoral vessels and nerves. A radiologist will evaluate the extent and location of the anesthetic spread in relation to key anatomical landmarks (according to centimeter-based measurements as per MRI protocols).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Campus Bio-Medico University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Local Anesthetic Distribution in the PENG Block Compartment Using Pelvic MRI

Acronym: MRI-PENG

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 27, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 27, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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