Femur Neck FractureNCT07910487
Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus PENG Block for Hip Fracture Surgery
A study testing Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block in people with Femur Neck Fracture and Hip Fractures, run by Beni-Suef University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare two different nerve block techniques-the Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block and the Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block (L-ESPB)-for managing pain after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. Hip fractures are common in older adults and often cause significant pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Femur Neck Fracture, Hip Fractures, Postoperative Pain
- What is being tested?
- Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 64 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 5 Nov 2026to 15 May 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 60 years or older.
- Unilateral fracture neck of femur scheduled for hip surgery (hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty) under spinal anesthesia (with or without light sedation).
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II-III.
- Ability to understand and use Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scoring and to provide informed consent (or availability of a legally authorized representative according to local regulations).
Who cannot join
- Patient refusal to participate.
- Coagulopathy (platelet count < 100,000/µL, INR > 1.4) or ongoing therapeutic anticoagulation that precludes deep peripheral or neuraxial blocks per current guidelines.
- Infection at the injection site, systemic sepsis, or hemodynamic instability.
- Pre-existing significant neurological deficit in the involved lower limb, advanced peripheral neuropathy, or cognitive impairment precluding reliable pain assessment.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics or study medications.
- Severe chronic opioid use (defined as > 30 mg oral morphine equivalent daily for > 3 months).
- Body Mass Index (BMI) > 35 kg/m² if considered to significantly hinder ultrasound visualization, at investigator discretion.
- Prior hip surgery on the same side or severe anatomical hip deformity affecting block performance.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block in Patients With Fracture Neck of Femur Undergoing Hip Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare two different nerve block techniques-the Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block and the Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block (L-ESPB)-for managing pain after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.
Hip fractures are common in older adults and often cause significant pain. Managing this pain effectively helps patients recover faster and move around sooner after surgery. Traditional pain relief options include nerve blocks and strong pain medications (opioids). However, opioids can cause unwanted side effects like nausea and drowsiness, while some traditional nerve blocks can weaken the leg muscles, making early walking difficult.
Read more
Nerve blocks inject a local anesthetic (numbing medication) around specific nerves or within muscle layers to temporarily block pain signals:
- PENG Block: Targets the specific sensory nerves supplying the front of the hip joint while minimizing leg muscle weakness.
- Lumbar ESPB: Injects numbing medication near the lower spine to block pain signals coming from the hip region.
Participants in this study will include adults aged 60 and older undergoing hip surgery for a femoral neck fracture under spinal anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to receive either the PENG block or the Lumbar ESPB before their surgery. Both blocks are performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise medication placement.
Researchers will compare:
- Pain levels at rest and during movement over the first 48 hours after surgery.
- The total amount of additional pain medication (opioids) required.
- Leg muscle (quadriceps) strength after surgery.
- Any side effects or complications, as well as the overall length of hospital stay.
The findings from this study will help doctors determine which nerve block provides better pain relief while preserving leg strength, aiding in safer and faster recovery for elderly patients after hip surgery.
Read the detailed description
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE:
Hip fractures in elderly patients are associated with significant morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and functional decline. Effective perioperative analgesia is crucial for early recovery. While systemic opioids and conventional nerve blocks (such as femoral or fascia iliaca blocks) provide pain relief, they are often limited by quadriceps weakness, opioid-related side effects, and delayed mobilization.
The Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block targets the articular branches of the femoral, obturator, and accessory obturator nerves supplying the anterior hip capsule, offering motor-sparing analgesia. The lumbar erector spinae plane block (L-ESPB) is a paraspinal fascial plane block allowing craniocaudal local anesthetic spread to dorsal and ventral rami. Head-to-head evidence comparing L-ESPB and PENG blocks in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing hip surgery remains limited.
STUDY PROTOCOL \& INTERVENTIONS:
This prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial evaluates elderly patients (age ≥60 years, ASA II-III) undergoing hip surgery (hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty) under spinal anesthesia.
Participants are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either:
- Group P: Ultrasound-guided PENG block using 20-25 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine.
- Group E: Ultrasound-guided L-ESPB at L3/L4 level using 25-30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine.
Blocks are performed 20 minutes preoperatively by a dedicated anesthetist not involved in outcome assessment. All patients receive standardized intraoperative spinal anesthesia and postoperative multimodal systemic analgesia (scheduled IV/oral paracetamol with IV pethidine as rescue analgesia). Pain scores at rest and on movement, cumulative 24-hour opioid consumption, quadriceps strength (MRC scale), block-related complications, and length of hospital stay will be evaluated.
- Conditions
- Femur Neck Fracture, Hip Fractures, Postoperative Pain
- Being tested
- Pericapsular Nerve Group Block, Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block
- Keywords
- PENG Block, Lumbar ESPB, Regional Anesthesia, Hip Arthroplasty
- Medical subject headings
- Femoral Neck Fractures, Hip Fractures, Pain, Postoperative
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pericapsular Nerve Group BlockProcedure or surgery
Also called PENG Block
Ultrasound-guided nerve block performed 20 minutes preoperatively in the supine position. A 22G echogenic needle is directed in-plane lateral-to-medial to target the fascial plane deep to the iliopsoas tendon. Following negative aspiration and hydrodissection (2-3 mL saline), 20-25 mL bupivacaine 0.25% (or 15-20 mL in frail/small patients) is injected in 3-5 mL aliquots.
Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane BlockProcedure or surgery
Also called Lumbar ESPB, L-ESPB
Ultrasound-guided fascial plane block performed 20 minutes preoperatively in the lateral decubitus or sitting position. A 22G echogenic needle is advanced in-plane cranial-to-caudal to contact the L3 or L4 transverse process. Following negative aspiration and hydrodissection confirming muscle lifting, 25-30 mL bupivacaine 0.25% is injected in 3-5 mL aliquots.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| PENG Block | Active comparator | Patients receive an ultrasound-guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block preoperatively using 20-25 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (50-62.5 mg) deposited in the fascial plane between the iliopsoas tendon and pubic ramus near the iliopubical eminence (IPE). Standard spinal anesthesia and postoperative multimodal systemic analgesia are administered. Receives: Procedure: Pericapsular Nerve Group Block |
| Lumbar ESPB | Active comparator | Patients receive an ultrasound-guided Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block (L-ESPB) preoperatively at the L3 or L4 transverse process level using 25-30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (62.5-75 mg) deposited deep to the erector spinae muscle. Standard spinal anesthesia and postoperative multimodal systemic analgesia are administered. Receives: Procedure: Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Postoperative Pain Score on Movement at 12 Hours
Pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Pain is evaluated during gentle passive leg movement (flexion or rotation) of the operated limb.
Measured: 12 hours after the end of surgery
Secondary outcomes (6)
Postoperative Pain Scores at Rest and Movement at Specified Time Points
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS 0-10, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain) at rest and during gentle passive movement of the operated limb.
Measured: 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after surgery
Cumulative Opioid Consumption in the First 24 Hours
Total dose of intravenous pethidine (meperidine) administered as rescue analgesia in milligrams (mg).
Measured: First 24 hours postoperatively
Time to First Rescue Analgesic Request
Duration of time measured in hours from the end of surgery until the patient requests the first dose of rescue IV pethidine.
Measured: Up to 48 hours postoperatively
Quadriceps Motor Function (Knee Extension Strength)
Evaluation of ipsilateral quadriceps muscle strength using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, ranging from 0 (no movement) to 5 (normal strength). Motor weakness is defined as an MRC grade ≤ 3/5.
Measured: At 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively
Incidence of Block-Related Complications and Opioid-Related Adverse Events
Percentage of participants experiencing adverse events including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pruritus, urinary retention, hypotension, bradycardia, signs of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), hematoma, injection site infection, neurological deficit/nerve injury, or falls.
Measured: Up to 48 hours postoperatively
Length of Hospital Stay
Duration of time from surgery completion until discharge from the hospital, measured in total days.
Measured: From date of surgery until hospital discharge (up to approximately 30 days)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Nov 2026
- Study start5 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion15 May 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Femur Neck FractureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Beni-Suef UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Beni-Suef University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kerollos Moneer Neseem Mikhael, Beni-Suef University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07910487
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FMBSUREC/07062026b/ Mikhael
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 4 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Individual de-identified participant data underlying the published primary and secondary results (including demographic data, baseline characteristics, NRS pain scores, cumulative opioid consumption, quadriceps motor strength scores, and adverse events) will be made available upon reasonable request to qualified academic researchers.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block in Patients With Fracture Neck of Femur Undergoing Hip Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07910487
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FMBSUREC/07062026b/ Mikhael
- Conditions
- Femur Neck Fracture, Hip Fractures, Postoperative Pain
- Keywords
- PENG Block, Lumbar ESPB, Regional Anesthesia, Hip Arthroplasty
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Beni-Suef UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Nov 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare two different nerve block techniques-the Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block and the Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block (L-ESPB)-for managing pain after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.
Hip fractures are common in older adults and often cause significant pain. Managing this pain effectively helps patients recover faster and move around sooner after surgery. Traditional pain relief options include nerve blocks and strong pain medications (opioids). However, opioids can cause unwanted side effects like nausea and drowsiness, while some traditional nerve blocks can weaken the leg muscles, making early walking difficult.
Nerve blocks inject a local anesthetic (numbing medication) around specific nerves or within muscle layers to temporarily block pain signals:
- PENG Block: Targets the specific sensory nerves supplying the front of the hip joint while minimizing leg muscle weakness.
- Lumbar ESPB: Injects numbing medication near the lower spine to block pain signals coming from the hip region.
Participants in this study will include adults aged 60 and older undergoing hip surgery for a femoral neck fracture under spinal anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to receive either the PENG block or the Lumbar ESPB before their surgery. Both blocks are performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise medication placement.
Researchers will compare:
- Pain levels at rest and during movement over the first 48 hours after surgery.
- The total amount of additional pain medication (opioids) required.
- Leg muscle (quadriceps) strength after surgery.
- Any side effects or complications, as well as the overall length of hospital stay.
The findings from this study will help doctors determine which nerve block provides better pain relief while preserving leg strength, aiding in safer and faster recovery for elderly patients after hip surgery.
Detailed description
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE:
Hip fractures in elderly patients are associated with significant morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and functional decline. Effective perioperative analgesia is crucial for early recovery. While systemic opioids and conventional nerve blocks (such as femoral or fascia iliaca blocks) provide pain relief, they are often limited by quadriceps weakness, opioid-related side effects, and delayed mobilization.
The Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block targets the articular branches of the femoral, obturator, and accessory obturator nerves supplying the anterior hip capsule, offering motor-sparing analgesia. The lumbar erector spinae plane block (L-ESPB) is a paraspinal fascial plane block allowing craniocaudal local anesthetic spread to dorsal and ventral rami. Head-to-head evidence comparing L-ESPB and PENG blocks in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing hip surgery remains limited.
STUDY PROTOCOL \& INTERVENTIONS:
This prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial evaluates elderly patients (age ≥60 years, ASA II-III) undergoing hip surgery (hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty) under spinal anesthesia.
Participants are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either:
- Group P: Ultrasound-guided PENG block using 20-25 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine.
- Group E: Ultrasound-guided L-ESPB at L3/L4 level using 25-30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine.
Blocks are performed 20 minutes preoperatively by a dedicated anesthetist not involved in outcome assessment. All patients receive standardized intraoperative spinal anesthesia and postoperative multimodal systemic analgesia (scheduled IV/oral paracetamol with IV pethidine as rescue analgesia). Pain scores at rest and on movement, cumulative 24-hour opioid consumption, quadriceps strength (MRC scale), block-related complications, and length of hospital stay will be evaluated.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, care provider)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| PENG Block | Active comparator | Procedure: Pericapsular Nerve Group BlockPatients receive an ultrasound-guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block preoperatively using 20-25 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (50-62.5 mg) deposited in the fascial plane between the iliopsoas tendon and pubic ramus near the iliopubical eminence (IPE). Standard spinal anesthesia and postoperative multimodal systemic analgesia are administered. |
| Lumbar ESPB | Active comparator | Procedure: Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane BlockPatients receive an ultrasound-guided Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block (L-ESPB) preoperatively at the L3 or L4 transverse process level using 25-30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (62.5-75 mg) deposited deep to the erector spinae muscle. Standard spinal anesthesia and postoperative multimodal systemic analgesia are administered. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age 60 years or older.
- Unilateral fracture neck of femur scheduled for hip surgery (hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty) under spinal anesthesia (with or without light sedation).
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II-III.
- Ability to understand and use Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scoring and to provide informed consent (or availability of a legally authorized representative according to local regulations).
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Patient refusal to participate.
- Coagulopathy (platelet count < 100,000/µL, INR > 1.4) or ongoing therapeutic anticoagulation that precludes deep peripheral or neuraxial blocks per current guidelines.
- Infection at the injection site, systemic sepsis, or hemodynamic instability.
- Pre-existing significant neurological deficit in the involved lower limb, advanced peripheral neuropathy, or cognitive impairment precluding reliable pain assessment.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics or study medications.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pericapsular Nerve Group BlockAlso: PENG BlockUltrasound-guided nerve block performed 20 minutes preoperatively in the supine position. A 22G echogenic needle is directed in-plane lateral-to-medial to target the fascial plane deep to the iliopsoas tendon. Following negative aspiration and hydrodissection (2-3 mL saline), 20-25 mL bupivacaine 0.25% (or 15-20 mL in frail/small patients) is injected in 3-5 mL aliquots. | Procedure or surgery | PENG Block |
| Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane BlockAlso: Lumbar ESPB, L-ESPBUltrasound-guided fascial plane block performed 20 minutes preoperatively in the lateral decubitus or sitting position. A 22G echogenic needle is advanced in-plane cranial-to-caudal to contact the L3 or L4 transverse process. Following negative aspiration and hydrodissection confirming muscle lifting, 25-30 mL bupivacaine 0.25% is injected in 3-5 mL aliquots. | Procedure or surgery | Lumbar ESPB |
Primary outcome
Postoperative Pain Score on Movement at 12 Hours
Time frame: 12 hours after the end of surgery
Pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Pain is evaluated during gentle passive leg movement (flexion or rotation) of the operated limb.
6 secondary outcomes
Postoperative Pain Scores at Rest and Movement at Specified Time Points
Time frame: 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after surgery
Cumulative Opioid Consumption in the First 24 Hours
Time frame: First 24 hours postoperatively
Time to First Rescue Analgesic Request
Time frame: Up to 48 hours postoperatively
Quadriceps Motor Function (Knee Extension Strength)
Time frame: At 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively
Incidence of Block-Related Complications and Opioid-Related Adverse Events
Time frame: Up to 48 hours postoperatively
Length of Hospital Stay
Time frame: From date of surgery until hospital discharge (up to approximately 30 days)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Individual de-identified participant data underlying the published primary and secondary results (including demographic data, baseline characteristics, NRS pain scores, cumulative opioid consumption, quadriceps motor strength scores, and adverse events) will be made available upon reasonable request to qualified academic researchers.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block in people with Femur Neck Fracture and Hip Fractures, run by Beni-Suef University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kerollos Moneer Neseem Mikhael, MD (00201288549959, Kmnmk87@med.bsu.edu.eg), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Postoperative Pain Score on Movement at 12 Hours (time frame: 12 hours after the end of surgery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Nov 2026.