July 15, 2026
Episode 53: Analgesic efficacy of the ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block for ambulatory hip arthroscopy: a randomized controlled double-blind trial
In this episode of RAPM Focus, Editor-in-Chief Brian Sites, MD, discusses the optimal analgesic approach for reducing postoperative pain following ambulatory hip arthroscopy with Laura Girón Arango, MD, Joanne Tan, MBBS (Hons), FRACP, and Sinéad Campbell, MB, BCh, BAO, FCAI. Their conversation follows the March 2026 publication of their original research paper, “Analgesic efficacy of the ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block for ambulatory hip arthroscopy: a randomized controlled double-blind trial.”
Hip arthroscopy is an increasingly common outpatient surgical procedure where postoperative pain can be severe. Peripheral nerve blocks have been evaluated for analgesia following hip arthroscopy; however, there is no consensus on an optimal technique that provides effective local anesthetic-based postoperative analgesia without motor blockade. In this study, the investigators hypothesized that the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block would provide effective motor-sparing analgesia following ambulatory hip arthroscopy, randomizing 94 patients undergoing outpatient hip arthroscopy to receive either a preoperative pain block with 20ml of 0.5% ropivacaine or a sham procedure.
Dr. Laura Girón Arango is a staff anesthesiologist at Toronto Western Hospital and Women’s College Hospital, and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Her clinical and academic work focuses on regional anesthesia and point of care ultrasound. Her research has centered on motor-sparing regional anesthesia techniques for hip and knee surgery, including the PENG, iPACK, and adductor canal blocks. Additional areas of interest include perioperative diaphragm ultrasound assessment and the use of gastric ultrasound to evaluate aspiration risk, particularly in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists. Through this work, she aims to advance perioperative safety, improve individualized pain management, and promote the integration of ultrasound into routine anesthetic practice.
Dr. Joanne Tan is a consultant anesthetist, regional anesthesia lead, and regional anesthesia fellowship supervisor at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Adelaide, Australia, and a clinical lecturer at the Adelaide University. She completed a regional anesthesia fellowship at the Toronto Western Hospital and University of Toronto, and neuroanesthesia and upper GI fellowships at the Royal Adelaide hospital. Her interests include regional anesthesia, POCUS, neuroanesthesia, quality improvement, medical education, and making memes.
Dr. Sinéad Campbell is a staff anesthesiologist at Toronto Western and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Her clinical practice focuses on regional anesthesia and neuroanesthesia. Her research interests include regional anesthesia and perioperative cognitive impairment. She is actively involved in clinical education, with a focus on teaching ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and practical perioperative decision-making to trainees.
*The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.
Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, LinkedIn @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.
