Read firstPractice-changingClinical trial
Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block versus intravenous morphine for pain management in older adults with hip fractures: a randomised controlled trial in the emergency department
EMJ20 Aug 2026Ultrasound
Clinical takeaway
PENG block is a promising opioid-sparing option when trained staff are available, but the very small, unblinded trial should not be treated as definitive evidence of superiority or safety.
EDCritix summary
In this open-label ED RCT of 34 adults aged 65 or older with hip fracture, ultrasound-guided PENG block produced greater 30-minute pain reduction than IV morphine (median −6 versus −3 points) and no patient in the block arm required rescue analgesia.