Preoperative Quadratus Lumborum Block Reduces Initial Postoperative Opioid Consumption Following Hip Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Analysis

Compare postoperative opioid consumption following hip arthroscopy in patients who received a preoperative, lateral quadratus lumborum block versus those who did not. Patients were retrospectively identified. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption (IV morphine milligram equivalents) in patients with and without a block. Comparisons between groups were conducted with Chi-square tests and Fisher Exact Tests where appropriate. Continuous data were compared with twosided t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Data were collected on 100 patients. Mean (95% confidence interval) postoperative opioid consumption was reduced in patients with a quadratus lumborum block compared to those without a block (6.6 [5.2 – 8.1] vs 11.8 [10.2 – 13.4]; p < 0.0001; respectively). Eleven percent of patients with a preoperative quadratus lumborum block did not consume any opioids in the post anesthesia care unit. Opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period was significantly reduced in patients that received a preoperative quadratus lumborum block. Level of Evidence: Level III – Retrospective Cohort Study. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(1):017–021, 2022)

Key words: analgesia, arthroscopy, hip, nerve block, pain management