Efficacy of pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) compared to local infiltration analgesia (LIA) after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Pain management after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is crucial for patient recovery and satisfaction. Various analgesic techniques exist, including the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and local infiltration analgesia (LIA). This study aims to compare the efficacy of PENG and LIA in postoperative pain management following THA.

METHODS

A random-effects meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PENG and LIA in primary THA was conducted. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS was performed up to October 24, 2024. Pain scores, opioid consumption, and secondary outcomes such as complications and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were analysed.

RESULTS

Four RCTs were included, with 128 patients receiving PENG and 130 receiving LIA. Demographics, including age, BMI, ASA status, and surgery duration, were comparable. Pain scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h were higher in the PENG group but not statistically significant. At 24 h, cumulative opioid consumption was higher in the LIA group [4.23 mg (95% CI: 0.50-7.96) vs. 3.97 mg (95% CI: 0.24-7.70)] though not statistically significant (p = 0.92). At 48 h, PENG had higher cumulative opioid consumption [6.78 mg (95% CI: 1.04-12.52) vs. 6.18 mg (95% CI: 0.91-11.45)] though not statistically significant (p  = 0.88). Secondary outcomes, including overall complication rates and PONV, showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

PENG and LIA are comparable in terms of their effectiveness post THA. LIA is non-inferior to PENG in terms of postoperative pain scores, cumulative opioid consumption, overall complication rates and rates of PONV.