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Evaluation of Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Hip Arthroscopy

Evaluation of Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Hip Arthroscopy: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03432650
Enrollment
96
Registered
2018-02-14
Start date
2018-06-01
Completion date
2021-09-09
Last updated
2022-08-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Hip Disease

Brief summary

Hip arthroscopy is performed frequently and the postoperative course often involves moderate to severe pain. There remains no definitive perioperative pain regimen that has been proven to be effective and safe for this ambulatory procedure. Some institutions perform peripheral nerve blocks either preoperatively or postoperatively as a rescue block. All of these PNBs lead to quadriceps weakness which may impede earlier mobilization and physical therapy. While some case reports exist, there have not been any studies evaluating the QLB for hip arthroscopy patients. As previously mentioned, the technique is easy to perform, well-tolerated by patients, and avoids side effects such as hypotension, urinary retention, or the quadriceps weakness associated with lumbar plexus blockade.

Interventions

Anesthetic that will help treat pain and sensation after hip arthroscopy

DEVICEUltrasound

Ultrasound will help guide the anesthesiologist in performing the nerve block

Sponsors

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Patients scheduled for hip arthroscopy * Ability to follow study protocol * English Speaking

Exclusion criteria

* Hepatic or renal insufficiency * Younger than 18 years old and older than 80 * Allergy or intolerance to one of the study medications * Chronic gabapentin/pregabalin use (regular use for longer than 3 months) * Chronic opioid use (daily opioids use for longer than 3 months) * Patients contraindicated to undergo a spinal anesthetic * Non English Speakers

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Numerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain Scores30min after Post Anesthesia Care Unite (PACU) arrivalPain scores at rest and with movement will be through 24 hours after surgery. Score scale is from 0-10. 0 means no pain, 10 means worst pain. A lower score is a better outcome.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Patients With Presence of IAFE (Intraabdominal Fluid Extravasation) Following SurgeryImmediately post-op in OR
Number of Patients With Nausea/VomitingUp to Post Op Day 1
Antiemetic UseUp to Post Op Day 1
Number of Participants With Hospital AdmissionUp to Post Op Day 1
Opioid UseAfter Surgery to Post Operative Day 1Amount of opioids taken after surgery
Patient Score on Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR40) Inventory.Up to Post Op Day 1Validated QoR40 survey score. Survey questions are added up to provide a final score. Higher score is reflective of a better outcome. Minimum score is 40, maximum score is 200.
Change in Quadriceps Motor Strength on Surgical SideUp to Post Op Day 1Change in Quadriceps Motor Strength from Pre-Op Baseline Quadriceps Strength
Urinary RetentionUp to Post Op Day 1Incidence of Urinary Retention in recovery
Incidence of HypotensionUp to Post Op Day 1
Patient Satisfaction With Post Op Pain ControlUp to Post Op Day 1Scale of 0-10; 0 being extremely dissatisfied and 10 being extremely satisfied

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
QLB Block + Standard of Care
Patients will receive either a spinal (4cc Mepivacaine) or combined spinal epidural anesthetic (dose up 50 5 cc 2% lidocaine) with IV sedation. Intraoperative anti-emetics will consist of IV ondansetron and IV dexamethasone. Intra-operative analgesics will be IV fentanyl, IV acetaminophen, IV ketorolac, and IV ketamine. No Block will be given. Patients will receive a single shot anterior QLB (30cc 0.5% Bupivacaine with 2mg preservative free dexamethasone). Bupivacaine + dexamethasone: Anesthetic that will help treat pain and sensation after hip arthroscopy Ultrasound: Ultrasound will help guide the anesthesiologist in performing the nerve block
48
Standard of Care
Patients will receive either a spinal (4cc Mepivacaine) or combined spinal epidural anesthetic (dose up 50 5 cc 2% lidocaine) with IV sedation. Intraoperative anti-emetics will consist of IV ondansetron and IV dexamethasone. Intra-operative analgesics will be IV fentanyl, IV acetaminophen, IV ketorolac, and IV ketamine. No Block will be given.
48
Total96

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicStandard of CareQLB Block + Standard of CareTotal
Age, Continuous36 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12
36 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13
36 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13
BMI (Body Mass Index)24.9 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.8
26 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.7
25 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected0 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
24 Participants26 Participants50 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
24 Participants22 Participants46 Participants
Short Form-8 Health Questionnaire17 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6
16 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4
16.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.2

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 480 / 48
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 480 / 48
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 480 / 48

Outcome results

Primary

Numerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain Scores

Pain scores at rest and with movement will be through 24 hours after surgery. Score scale is from 0-10. 0 means no pain, 10 means worst pain. A lower score is a better outcome.

Time frame: 2 hours after Post Anesthesia Care Unite (PACU) arrival

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest4.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.1
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.3
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest4.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.4
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement4.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.5
Primary

Numerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain Scores

Pain scores at rest and with movement will be through 24 hours after surgery. Score scale is from 0-10. 0 means no pain, 10 means worst pain. A lower score is a better outcome.

Time frame: 24 hours after Post Anesthesia Care Unite (PACU) arrival

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest3.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.5
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement5.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.6
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest3.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.1
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement5.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.3
Primary

Numerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain Scores

Pain scores at rest and with movement will be through 24 hours after surgery. Score scale is from 0-10. 0 means no pain, 10 means worst pain. A lower score is a better outcome.

Time frame: 3 hours after Post Anesthesia Care Unite (PACU) arrival

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest4.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.3
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement4.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.3
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest4.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.2
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement4.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.4
Primary

Numerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain Scores

Pain scores at rest and with movement will be through 24 hours after surgery. Score scale is from 0-10. 0 means no pain, 10 means worst pain. A lower score is a better outcome.

Time frame: 30min after Post Anesthesia Care Unite (PACU) arrival

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest3.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.4
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest4.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.3
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement4.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.6
Primary

Numerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain Scores

Pain scores at rest and with movement will be through 24 hours after surgery. Score scale is from 0-10. 0 means no pain, 10 means worst pain. A lower score is a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 hour after Post Anesthesia Care Unite (PACU) arrival

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest3.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.2
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement4.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.2
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS at Rest4.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.7
Standard of CareNumerical Pain Rating System (NRS) Pain ScoresNRS with Movement5.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.9
Secondary

Antiemetic Use

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
QLB Block + Standard of CareAntiemetic Use18 Participants
Standard of CareAntiemetic Use12 Participants
Secondary

Change in Quadriceps Motor Strength on Surgical Side

Change in Quadriceps Motor Strength from Pre-Op Baseline Quadriceps Strength

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

Population: some patients were lost to follow up

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CareChange in Quadriceps Motor Strength on Surgical Side-4.4 kgStandard Deviation 3.3
Standard of CareChange in Quadriceps Motor Strength on Surgical Side-3.5 kgStandard Deviation 2.4
Secondary

Incidence of Hypotension

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
QLB Block + Standard of CareIncidence of Hypotension16 Participants
Standard of CareIncidence of Hypotension19 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Hospital Admission

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumber of Participants With Hospital Admission11 Participants
Standard of CareNumber of Participants With Hospital Admission9 Participants
Secondary

Number of Patients With Nausea/Vomiting

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

Population: some patients did not answer survey questions

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingNausea PACU12 Participants
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingNausea POD1 (24hr)21 Participants
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingVomiting PACU0 Participants
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingVomiting POD1 (24hr)2 Participants
Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingVomiting POD1 (24hr)3 Participants
Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingNausea PACU7 Participants
Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingVomiting PACU1 Participants
Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Nausea/VomitingNausea POD1 (24hr)19 Participants
Secondary

Number of Patients With Presence of IAFE (Intraabdominal Fluid Extravasation) Following Surgery

Time frame: Immediately post-op in OR

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
QLB Block + Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Presence of IAFE (Intraabdominal Fluid Extravasation) Following Surgery9 Participants
Standard of CareNumber of Patients With Presence of IAFE (Intraabdominal Fluid Extravasation) Following Surgery11 Participants
Secondary

Opioid Use

Amount of opioids taken after surgery

Time frame: After Surgery to Post Operative Day 1

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
QLB Block + Standard of CareOpioid Use75 oral morphine equivalent units (mg)
Standard of CareOpioid Use68 oral morphine equivalent units (mg)
Secondary

Patient Satisfaction With Post Op Pain Control

Scale of 0-10; 0 being extremely dissatisfied and 10 being extremely satisfied

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

Population: some patients did not answer questionnaire.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CarePatient Satisfaction With Post Op Pain ControlPACU8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2
QLB Block + Standard of CarePatient Satisfaction With Post Op Pain ControlPOD18 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2
Standard of CarePatient Satisfaction With Post Op Pain ControlPACU9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2
Standard of CarePatient Satisfaction With Post Op Pain ControlPOD19 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2
Secondary

Patient Score on Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR40) Inventory.

Validated QoR40 survey score. Survey questions are added up to provide a final score. Higher score is reflective of a better outcome. Minimum score is 40, maximum score is 200.

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

Population: Some patients did not answer questionnaire

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
QLB Block + Standard of CarePatient Score on Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR40) Inventory.PACU104.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7
QLB Block + Standard of CarePatient Score on Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR40) Inventory.POD1105.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.4
Standard of CarePatient Score on Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR40) Inventory.PACU107.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.1
Standard of CarePatient Score on Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR40) Inventory.POD1105 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.3
Secondary

Urinary Retention

Incidence of Urinary Retention in recovery

Time frame: Up to Post Op Day 1

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
QLB Block + Standard of CareUrinary Retention1 Participants
Standard of CareUrinary Retention0 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026