Ultrasound Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block for Post-Operative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: Primary objective:
 
 Duration of block
 Post-operative pain score
 Post-operative rescue analgesic consumption
 
 Secondary objective:
 
 To observe patient satisfaction score
 Occurrence of post-operative complications if any.
 
 Methods: A total of 60 patients, aged between 18-60yrs, belonging to ASA I & II with hip osteoarthritis requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA) were divided into two groups of 30 each. Patients were randomized into two groups and were given ipsilateral USG guided anterior QLB in the fascial plane between QL and psoas major muscles after surgery. Group C received 30ml NS and group T received 30ml of inj. Ropivacaine 0.2%. Post operatively patient received inj. PCM 1G TDS. Duration of block, requirement of rescue analgesia, VAS score and side effects were the parameters those were monitored and compared.
 Results: Mode pain score by VAS was significantly lower in T group(p<0.05) than C group which required more analgesia. (The chi-square value-5.9341, p=0.0148). Duration of block was more in T group. Patient satisfaction was noted to be better in T group.
 Conclusion: Use of post-operative USG guided Ant. QLB reduced VAS score in patient undergoing THA. It also significantly decreased the requirement of post- operative rescue analgesia and improved patient satisfaction.