Pericapsular Nerve Group Block: An Imaging Study for Determination of the Spread of the Injectate Using 3-D CT Scan

Overview

Over the last 20 years, different interventional regional analgesia techniques have been proposed to treat pain after hip surgeries. The most commonly used techniques are the fascia iliaca and femoral nerve blocks, resulting in reduced pain scores, opioid-sparing effects, and opioid-related adverse effects. However, these interventional analgesia techniques result in a motor block and muscle weakness of the quadriceps muscle, impeding early ambulation and rehabilitation. Recently, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has been proposed as an effective choice for analgesia after hip surgeries while sparing the motor function of the lower extremities. The aim of this technique is to inject local anesthetic to target the more distal sensory branches innervating the anterior aspect of the hip joint.

Ten patients scheduled for hip surgery were included after Ethical Committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Preoperatively, patients received an ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block. The injections were performed preoperatively using a Canon US Applio 700 with a linear transducer (14 to 6 MHz), and a 21-gauge, 80 mm stimulating needle (SonoPlex Stim, Pajunk ® ️ GmbH, Germany). After confirmation of the correct needle tip position with 2 mL of sodium chloride 0.9%, 20 mL of injectate containing 18 mL ropivacaine 0.5% with 2 mL of radiopaque contrast (Iomeron 300: 61.24% w/v of Iomeprol equivalent to 30% iodine or 300 mg iodine/mL (Bracco UK Limited)) was injected. After surgery, high-definition CT scans (Siemens) were obtained to determine the distribution patterns of the injectates.