Comparative Study to Evaluate the Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Versus Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block on the Postoperative Analgesic Effect in Patients Undergoing Surgeries for Hip Fracture under Spinal Anesthesia.

Background: Fractures in and around the hip are a major concern in young as well as the elderly. Ultrasound-guided (USG) peripheral nerve blocks help in early surgical fixation of these fractures by providing perioperative pain relief as well as early mobilization resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality.

Aims: This study aims to compare the efficacy of USG pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block versus fascia iliaca compartment (FIC) block.

Setting and design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients above 18 years of age with hip fracture belonging to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status Classes I and II scheduled for hip surgery were randomly allocated into two groups. Group 1(PENG block) received USG-guided PENG block and Group 2 (FIC block) received USG guided FIC block for postoperative pain relief. Postoperative pain relief (at rest) was evaluated by Numeric Rating Scale score from 20^th min and at regular interval for 24 h. The total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h was also noted.

Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed by using nonparametric test and Chi-square test. Hemodynamic variables and pain scores were analyzed using analysis of variance for two groups and independent t-test was used for comparison between two groups.

Results: Postoperative NRS score was higher in FIC block than PENG block which was statistically significant at 1 h (P = 0.035) and at 4 h (P = 0.001). The first requirement of analgesic was significantly late in PENG block group (8.17 ± 3.129) as compared to FIC block group (4.00 ± 1.477).

Conclusions: PENG block provides better postoperative analgesia, with reduced requirement of rescue analgesics in 24 h as compared to FIC block in patients undergoing surgeries for hip fracture under spinal anesthesia.