Background: Hip fracture is an evident public health issue that requires surgical intervention in almost all cases. This study aimed to improve the quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing hip surgeries by allowing early mobilization and rehabilitation through perioperative local analgesic techniques that spare motor function.
Methods: This single blinded randomized intervention clinical trial was carried out on 30 patients aged from 40 to 80 years old, both sexes, Body mass index 18-40 kg\m2 with unilateral hip osteoporosis or stable trochanteric fracture requiring arthroplasty or fixation, and I to III American society of Anesthesiologists physiological status. Patients were randomly allocated using computer generated randomization into two equal groups: pericapsular nerve group (PENG) group had PENG block, and fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) group. had FICB Block.
Results: there was statistically significant difference regarding the quadriceps muscle strength 6 hours postoperative, the elapsed time after spinal anesthesia cessation and mobilization, time taken to complete Timed-Up-and-Go test in postoperative day 1 in favour of PENG block, NRS at rest, and NRS during passive knee extension in favour of PENG block at 12 hours (p<0.001). Conclusions: PENG block is more effective than FICB in shortening the time to first postoperative walk and preservation of Quadriceps muscle power after hip surgeries while providing better postoperative analgesia with reduced consumption of rescue opioids, which makes it the block of choice to enhanced recovery programs following hip surgeries.