Continuous pericapsular nerve group block for postoperative pain management in total hip arthroplasty: report of two cases

Abstract

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the surgical procedures associated with severe postoperative pain. Appropriate postoperative pain management is effective for promoting early ambulation and reducing the length of hospital stay. Effects of conventional pain management strategies, such as femoral nerve block and fascia iliaca block, are inadequate in some cases. Case presentation: THA was planned for 2 patients with osteoarthritis. In addition to general anesthesia, continuous pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block were performed for postoperative pain management. Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores measured at rest and upon movement were low at 2, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, suggesting that the treatments were effective for managing postoperative pain. The Bromage score at postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 was 0. Conclusion: Continuous PENG block and LFCN block were effective for postoperative pain management in patients who underwent THA. PENG block did not cause postoperative motor blockade.