Regional anaesthesia modalities for primary total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis.

Abstract

Regional nerve blocks potentially offer superior pain control for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. However, the optimal single-shot regional anaesthesia modality remains unclear. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to May 5, 2024. Randomised controlled trials comparing various single-shot regional anaesthesia modalities were included. Frequentist and component network meta-analyses were performed. The primary outcomes included static and dynamic pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]) at 6 and 12 h after operation and total morphine consumption at 24 h. Additional outcomes included opioid-related adverse effects, patient satisfaction, quality of recovery, and postoperative lower limb muscle power. Eighty-seven randomised controlled trials were included. In static VAS, femoral nerve block ranked best (surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA)=92.8%), followed by lumbar plexus block (LPB) plus local infiltrative analgesia (LIA) (SUCRA=85.7%) at 6 h after operation. At 12 h after operation, LPB plus LIA was top ranked (SUCRA=89.2%), followed by quadratus lumborum block plus fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) (SUCRA=84.8%). In dynamic VAS, pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block plus LIA (SUCRA=86.3%) and LPB plus LIA (SUCRA=83.4%) ranked best at 6 and 12 h after operation, respectively. In total morphine consumption at 24 h after operation, quadratus lumborum block plus FICB ranked highest (SUCRA=85.5%), followed by LPB plus LIA (SUCRA=82.2%) and PENG plus LIA (SUCRA=76.5%). LPB, FICB, and femoral nerve block were associated with increased motor blockade affecting quadriceps or adductor muscles based on qualitative analysis. Combined regional anaesthesia modalities, particularly PENG plus LIA, are favourable options for primary total hip arthroplasty procedures, as they result in lower pain scores, reduced opioid consumption, and motor-sparing effects in the early postoperative period. PROSPERO (CRD42024544358).