Beyond the Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block: A Narrative Review
Ana Sofia Teles1, Ece Yamak Altınpulluk2, Rajendra Kumar Sahoo3
1MoMaRC: Morphological Madrid Research Center, Madrid, Spain; Department of Anesthesiology, Instituto Português de Oncologia Do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal.
Turkish Journal of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation
|July 8, 2022
Summary
The pericapsular nerve group block offers effective pain relief for hip fracture patients, potentially preserving motor function. Further research is needed to confirm its clinical value and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pain Management
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Hip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Effective pain management is crucial for patient recovery and mobility.
- The pericapsular nerve group block is an emerging technique for analgesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on the pericapsular nerve group block.
- To describe the anatomical structures targeted by the block.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the block in hip fracture patients.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of published articles was conducted.
- Literature search from November 1, 2018, to May 15, 2021.
- Included studies involved adult and pediatric populations.
Main Results:
- 38 articles were eligible, including RCTs, observational studies, and case reports.
- The block demonstrated effective analgesia in acute and chronic pain settings.
- Some patients experienced quadriceps weakness; the block is generally easy to perform with low complication rates.
Conclusions:
- The pericapsular nerve group block shows promise for pain relief and motor sparing in hip fractures.
- More high-quality, randomized controlled trials are required to establish its clinical efficacy.
- The technique is technically feasible and associated with a low risk of adverse events.


