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NCT Number: NCT07329829

Perioperative Analgesic Effects of PENG Versus PENG Plus LFCN Block in Hip Surgeries

This study is designed to find the best way to control pain after hip surgery performed through a side (lateral) incision. Two different types of nerve blocks used before the operation will be compared.

In one group, patients will receive a Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block, which numbs the main nerves that carry pain signals from the hip joint. In the other group, patients will receive a PENG block together with a Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) block, which adds extra pain relief for the skin and outer part of the thigh.

A total of 72 patients between 18 and 80 years old will take part in this study. All operations will be done under spinal anesthesia. Pain levels will be measured several times during the first 24 hours after surgery using a simple 0-10 pain scale. Patients will receive pain medicine through a pump that allows them to press a button when they feel pain. The total amount of medicine used will be recorded.

The researchers will also monitor when patients first need pain medicine, when they can start walking, how satisfied they are with pain control, and if they experience side effects such as nausea or dizziness.

By comparing the two methods, the study aims to see whether adding the LFCN block to the PENG block provides better pain control, lower drug use, faster recovery, and higher patient comfort after hip surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

HİP FRACTURE Agnosia Analgesia, Postoperative Femoral Fractures Fractures, Bone Hip Fractures Hip Injuries Hip Surgery (Lateral Incision) Leg Injuries Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Perceptual Disorders Postoperative Pain Management Regional Anesthesia Success Signs and Symptoms Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Basaksehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital

Istanbul, BASAKSEHİR, 34490, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Postoperative pain following hip surgery remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in procedures performed through a lateral incision, where both deep articular and superficial cutaneous pain components contribute to patient discomfort. Effective regional anesthesia techniques are essential to optimize postoperative analgesia, facilitate early mobilization, and reduce opioid-related adverse effects.

The Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block has been introduced as a motor-sparing regional anesthesia technique targeting the articular branches of the femoral, obturator, and accessory obturator nerves, providing effective analgesia for hip joint-related pain. However, due to its limited coverage of cutaneous innervation, patients undergoing lateral incision hip surgery may continue to experience residual superficial pain.

The Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) block selectively targets the sensory innervation of the anterolateral thigh and may complement the PENG block by addressing the cutaneous component of postoperative pain. The combined use of PENG and LFCN blocks has the potential to provide more comprehensive analgesia without compromising motor function.

This study is designed to evaluate whether the addition of an LFCN block to a standard PENG block enhances postoperative pain control and recovery outcomes in patients undergoing hip surgery via a lateral approach. By comparing these two regional anesthesia strategies, the study aims to contribute evidence-based guidance for optimizing multimodal analgesia protocols in hip surgery.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients aged between 18 and 80 years
  • Patients scheduled for elective or trauma-related hip surgery performed through a lateral incision under spinal anesthesia
  • Patients receiving a preoperative ultrasound-guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block or a PENG block combined with a Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) block
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
  • Patients with full orientation and the ability to cooperate
  • Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Contraindications to regional anesthesia, including coagulopathy or local infection at the injection site
  • Presence of neuropathic disorders or conditions that may affect pain perception, including chronic analgesic use
  • Requirement for conversion to general anesthesia
  • Postoperative admission to the intensive care unit
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to opioids or local anesthetics
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status IV-V

Treatment and study plan

pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block

Procedure

An ultrasound-guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block will be performed preoperatively using standard local anesthetic techniques to provide postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lateral incision hip surgery.

Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) Block

Procedure

An ultrasound-guided Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) block will be performed preoperatively as an adjunct to the PENG block to enhance postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lateral incision hip surgery.

Primary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Pain Intensity (NRS Score)

    Time frame: 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively

    Postoperative pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), both at rest and during movement.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Total Postoperative Opioid Consumption

    Time frame: First 24 hours postoperatively

    Total opioid consumption during the first 24 hours postoperatively will be recorded using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device and converted to morphine equivalent dose (mg).

  2. Patient Satisfaction Score

    Time frame: Within the first 24 hours postoperatively

    Patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management will be assessed using a 5-point Likert Satisfaction Scale, ranging from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), where higher scores indicate greater patient satisfaction.

  3. Time to First Mobilization

    Time frame: Within the first 24 hours postoperatively

    Time to first mobilization after surgery will be recorded in hours.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Başakşehir Çam & Sakura City Hospital

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Preoperative Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block With PENG Block and Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block in Lateral Incision Hip Surgery

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 9, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 12, 2026

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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