Published online Mar 11, 2024. doi: 10.5313/wja.v13.i1.90514
Peer-review started: December 9, 2023
First decision: December 23, 2023
Revised: January 5, 2024
Accepted: February 25, 2024
Article in press: February 25, 2024
Published online: March 11, 2024
Avascular necrosis of the hip emerged as a significant complication of steroid use during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment requiring surgical intervention in the form of bilateral total hip replacements (THR). Pericapsular end nerve block (PENG) has been reported to provide good analgesia after THR. The study aimed to study the efficacy of the block and also add to the present limited knowledge.
The main motivation behind the study was to find an efficient and safe technique to provide analgesia to patients who have undergone bilateral THR surgery. Adequate analgesia will aid in early mobilization, prevent bed sores and deep vein thrombosis, which are important aspects of enhanced recovery after surgery.
The main objective was to evaluate the efficacy of PENG block in patients who underwent bilateral THR. We were able to conclude that the pain scores in patients were significantly low in patients who received PENG block. However, larger comparative studies are required to validate the use of this block.
Statistical analysis was performed in R software version 4.3.1. A paired t-test was employed to compare the mean Visual Analog Score (VAS).
A total of 17 patients were eligible for the study. The mean VAS score was 6.4 pre-operatively and 1.7 12 h after the procedure (P < 0.001). Two patients complained of pain after the PENG block and were therefore excluded from the study. All 15 patients were comfortable and could be mobilized 12 h after surgery.
This study proposes the use of PENG block for effective analgesia after total hip replacement.
This is a small study done on patients requiring total hip replacement following steroid use for COVID-19 treatment. We recommend further large comparative studies to test the efficacy of this block.