Intraoperative Psoas Compartment Block vs Preoperative Fascia Iliaca Block for Pain Control After Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Modern joint arthroplasty protocols place an emphasis on minimizing patient-reported postoperative pain while minimizing opioid consumption. The use of multimodal pain management protocols has been reported to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

In a prospective, single-surgeon trial, 50 patients undergoing primary direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive a preoperative fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) or an intraoperative surgeon-delivered psoas compartment block (PCB). Patient-reported pain was recorded in the postanesthesia care unit, recovery floor and 3 weeks postoperatively. Opioid use was recorded during the hospital stay.

Results

Average visual analog scale pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit were 38.7 ± 8.7 vs 35.6 ± 8.3 (P = .502) for the preoperative FICB and intraoperative PCB groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between groups at the 3-week visit for postoperative pain (FICB: 2.9 ± 1.4; PCB: 3.2 ± 2.0; P = .970) and patient-reported pain satisfaction (FICB: 8.8 ± 2.2; PCB: 9.7 ± 0.6; P = .110).

Conclusion

During the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty, PCB is an effective and efficient regional anesthesia technique. It may be used to obtain satisfactory postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction while decreasing hospital resources.