Comparison of the catheter-technique psoas compartment block and the epidural block for analgesia in partial hip replacement surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the intra- and postoperative analgesia provided by the catheter-technique psoas compartment block and the epidural block in hip-fractured patients. We also compared hemodynamic stability, motor blockade, ease of performing the technique, and complications. Methods: Thirty patients who underwent partial hip replacement surgery were included in this prospective single-blind study. Subjects were randomly assigned to Group E (n=15; general anesthesia plus epidural block with 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine) or Group P (n=15; general anesthesia plus psoas compartment block with 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine). Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at 10-min intervals intraoperatively. Regional anesthesia procedure time, number of attempts at block, intraoperative blood loss, and need for supplemental fentanyl and/or ephedrine were noted. Postoperatively, a patient-controlled analgesia device delivered an infusion and boluses of bupivacaine/fentanyl. Pain, motor blockade, ambulation time, patient satisfaction with analgesia, and complications were recorded postsurgery. Results: The epidural required significantly more attempts than the psoas block, thus procedure time was longer in this group. Group E also showed significantly greater drops in mean arterial blood pressure from baseline at 30, 40 and 50 min after the start of general anesthesia. Significantly more Group E patients required epinephrine supplementation. The groups were similar regarding pain scores (at rest and on movement) and patient satisfaction, but Group E had higher motor blockade scores, longer ambulation time, and significantly more complications. Conclusion: The continuous psoas compartment block provides excellent intraoperative and postoperative analgesia with a low incidence of complications for partial hip replacement surgery.