Lumbar erector spinae plane block versus infrainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block for pain management after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided facia iliaca compartment (FIC) and erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in managing postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty surgery. Methods A total of 60 patients were randomized into 2 groups (n = 30): one that received FIC blocks and one that received ESP blocks. FIC and ESP blocks were performed with 30 mL 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the surgery. The patients received intravenous tramadol and patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. The pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded. Results The dynamic pain scores on movement in the postoperative first hour were significantly lower in the ESP block group than in the FIC block group (3 [2–4] vs 4 [2–5], respectively; P = .035). Data are expressed as median (25th–75th percentiles). Postoperative opioid consumption within the first postoperative 8 hours was significantly higher in the FIC block group than in the ESP block group (80 mg [61–100] vs 100 mg [80–120], respectively; P = .010). The adverse effects of opioids did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclusion ESP and infrainguinal FIC blocks provided similar postoperative analgesia 24 hours after total hip arthroplasty. The ESP block is more beneficial than the FIC block in terms of pain scores and opioid consumption in the early hours of the postoperative period. Trial registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05621161).