Actively Recruiting
Evaluating the Efficacy of the Psoas Sheath Block for Post Operative Analgesia Following Hip Arthroplasty
Led by University College Hospital Galway · Updated on 2026-03-06
130
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two different types of nerve blocks, the psoas sheath block and the suprainguinal fascia iliaca plane block, for managing pain after total hip arthroplasty surgery. This study is a single-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial designed to compare these two methods for post-operative pain relief and recovery quality in patients undergoing hip replacement. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the psoas sheath block or the fascia iliaca block before their surgery. Both procedures involve ultrasound-guided injection of a local anesthetic called ropivacaine to help control pain. The psoas sheath block uses a low-frequency ultrasound probe and a longer needle to deliver the anesthetic into the subpsoas fascial plane, while the fascia iliaca block uses a high-frequency probe and a shorter needle to inject beneath the fascia iliaca. The procedure is performed by experienced anesthesiologists, and dose adjustments are made based on patient weight to reduce risks. During the study, participants will be closely monitored for pain levels, opioid use, and recovery quality. Assessments include pain rating scales at various times after surgery, total opioid consumption, mobility scores, distance mobilized, and patient satisfaction with pain management within the first 48 hours post-operation. Researchers will also track any opioid-related side effects. The study aims to provide unbiased results through concealed group allocation and blinded outcome assessment, with overall participation lasting through the immediate post-operative period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Evaluating the Efficacy of the Psoas Sheath Block for Post Operative Analgesia Following Hip Arthroplasty
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants aged >18 years
- Scheduled for elective unilateral total hip replacement surgery
- Agree to receive regional anesthetic blocks for post-operative pain management
- Physical status classified as ASA I-III
- Able and willing to provide informed consent
- Willing to comply with post-surgery assessments
You will not qualify if you...
- Allergy to study medications
- History of chronic opioid use exceeding 50 mg oral morphine equivalents per day
- Neurological conditions affecting lower extremities (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy)
- Infection at injection site
- Coagulopathy (INR >1.5) or use of anticoagulants that cannot be safely stopped
- Severe respiratory or cardiovascular disease increasing surgical risk
- Cognitive impairment or dementia with MMSE score less than 24 preventing reliable assessments
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
screening and enrollment visit
Duration - Day of surgery
Participants undergo elective unilateral total hip replacement surgery and receive a regional anesthetic block (either a psoas sheath block or a fascia iliaca compartment block) preoperatively under ultrasound guidance for post-operative pain management.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - First 48 hours post-operatively
Participants are monitored for pain, opioid consumption, and recovery outcomes during the first 48 hours after surgery, including assessments of pain at rest and movement, opioid-related side effects, and patient satisfaction with pain management.
Multiple assessments during hospital stay, including pain and opioid use measurements at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Merlin Park Hospital, Galway
Galway, Ireland
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Anna L Horgan, MC BCh BAO FCAI
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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