Comparison of USG guided quadratus lumborum block v/s erector spinae block for post-operative pain management in hip arthroplasty: A prospective randomised controlled study

Background: Postoperative pain is a common concern following hip arthroplasty surgeries, particularly in patients with multitudinous health conditions. This study endeavored to compare the efficacy of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and lumbar erector spinae block (ESB) in mitigating post-surgical pain who undergoing hip arthroplasty surgeries. Materials and Methods: In this study, 100 patients were divided into two equal cohorts: Group QLB patients were given USG guided Quadratus Lumborum block with 20 ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine and 20ml of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline. Group ESB patients were given USG guided Erector Spinae block with 20 ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine and 20ml of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline. Block performance time, VAS score, requirement of post-op analgesia, hemodynamic parameters and incidence of adverse events were noted. Results: In this research, it was observed that demographic variables including age, gender distribution, body weight, ASA physical status and baseline hemodynamic indices were statistically comparable across the groups. Block performance was faster in ESB group (14.97 mins) compared to QLB (15.34 mins) group (P=0.71). No significant difference in VAS scores noted between ESB and QLB groups at 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively (p> 0.05). Similarly, the total rescue analgesic requirement was significantly lower in Group ESB (p