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Clinical Trials/NCT07516795
NCT07516795
Active, not recruiting
Not Applicable

Comparison of the Analgesic Efficacy of Continuous Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block (S-ESP) and Continuous Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) After Hip Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Bach Mai Hospital1 site in 1 country60 target enrollmentStarted: September 25, 2025Last updated:

Overview

Phase
Not Applicable
Status
Active, not recruiting
Sponsor
Bach Mai Hospital
Enrollment
60
Locations
1
Primary Endpoint
Cumulative Opioid Consumption at 24 Hours Postoperatively

Overview

Brief Summary

The primary objective of this prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial is to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of continuous Sacral Erector Spinae Plane (S-ESP) block versus continuous Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) in adult patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery.

The investigators hypothesize that the continuous S-ESP block will provide non-inferior or superior pain relief compared to continuous FICB, while potentially reducing the incidence of motor block and facilitating earlier postoperative mobilization. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an S-ESP or FICB catheter for continuous local anesthetic infusion over 48 hours postoperatively. Postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and functional recovery will be systematically evaluated.

Detailed Description

Effective postoperative pain management is crucial for early rehabilitation, patient satisfaction, and enhanced recovery after hip replacement surgery. While the continuous Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) is a well-established and widely used regional anesthesia technique for hip surgery, it is frequently associated with quadriceps weakness, which can significantly delay early ambulation and physical therapy.

The continuous Sacral Erector Spinae Plane (S-ESP) block is a relatively novel, ultrasound-guided fascial plane block that targets the lumbar and sacral plexus branches. Recent literature suggests it offers profound sensory blockade with relative motor sparing, making it a highly attractive alternative for lower extremity surgeries.

In this study, eligible patients scheduled for elective unilateral hip replacement surgery at Bach Mai Hospital will be randomly allocated into two parallel arms: the S-ESP group and the FICB group. Under ultrasound guidance, a catheter will be inserted into the respective fascial plane (sacral erector spinae plane or fascia iliaca compartment). A continuous infusion of local anesthetic will be administered via the catheter for 48 hours postoperatively.

Both groups will receive a standardized multimodal systemic analgesia protocol. Rescue analgesia (intravenous opioids) will be provided on demand. A blinded outcome assessor will meticulously record static and dynamic pain scores, cumulative opioid consumption, the degree of motor blockade, time to first ambulation, and any procedure-related adverse events. The findings of this study will help determine if continuous S-ESP is a more optimal regional anesthesia strategy compared to the traditional continuous FICB for postoperative pain control in hip arthroplasty.

Study Design

Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking Description

The anesthesiologist performing the ultrasound-guided block cannot be blinded to the group allocation. However, the patients, the ward nurses (care providers), and the independent outcome assessors who record postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption are strictly blinded to the group assignment.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages
18 Years to 100 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Adult patients aged 18 to 100 years.
  • Scheduled for elective unilateral hip replacement surgery.
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II, or III.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and understand the pain scale (VAS).
  • Provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Patient refusal to participate in the study.
  • Contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., coagulopathy, therapeutic anticoagulation, or local infection at the injection site).
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics (e.g., Ropivacaine, Bupivacaine).

Arms & Interventions

Continuous S-ESP

Experimental

Patients in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided continuous Sacral Erector Spinae Plane (S-ESP) block for postoperative analgesia following hip replacement surgery.

Intervention: Continuous Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block (Procedure)

Continuous FICB

Active Comparator

Patients in this arm will receive an ultrasound-guided continuous Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) for postoperative analgesia following hip replacement surgery.

Intervention: Continuous Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (Procedure)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Cumulative Opioid Consumption at 24 Hours Postoperatively

Time Frame: During the first 24,48,72 hours postoperatively

The total amount of rescue opioid analgesics administered to the patient, converted to intravenous morphine milligram equivalents (MME). A higher value represents a worse outcome (greater need for rescue analgesia).

Secondary Outcomes

  • Postoperative Pain Intensity at Rest(At 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 36 and 72 hours postoperatively.)
  • Postoperative Pain Intensity During Movement(At 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 36 and 72 hours postoperatively)

Investigators

Sponsor
Bach Mai Hospital
Sponsor Class
Other
Responsible Party
Principal Investigator
Principal Investigator

Nguyen Toan Thang

Head of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Department

Bach Mai Hospital

Study Sites (1)

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