Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Pericapsular Nerve Group Block for Hip Replacement Surgery: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Important aspects of hip replacement surgery to consider are regional anesthesia techniques and postoperative analgesia and ambulation.

RECENT FINDINGS: To maximize targeted pain relief for hip surgery while minimizing postoperative opioid consumption, two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia nerve blocks are necessary to compare: the lumbar erector spinae plane (L-ESP) block and the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block. Both the L-ESP and PENG blocks are useful in providing effective regional anesthesia during hip replacement surgery. Additionally, postoperatively, both blocks allow for a decrease in opioid consumption and a preservation of motor function to support ambulation. However, the targets of the blocks are different; the PENG block is focused on the anterior hip capsule, while the L-ESP block has broader coverage and can anesthetize both anterior and posterior hip regions. This narrative review explores the anatomy involved in hip replacement surgery, anesthesia, clinical considerations, and differences in using an L-ESP block compared to a PENG block.