Lumbar Plexus Block Versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Primary Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures to effectively relieve pain and restore function in patients with end stage osteoarthritis. In an attempt to accelerate recovery many orthopedic surgeons have opted to utilize a direct anterior approach (DAA) as opposed to the more traditional posterolateral approach (PLA). The literature supports that DAA is superior to PLA with regard to lower blood loss, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster rehabilitation. Traditionally the study team has performed Lumbar Plexus blocks (LPB) to provide post-operative analgesia for total hip arthroplasty. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a newer regional analgesic technique that may be as effective as LPB at providing pain control following DAA hip arthroplasty. This study is designed to compare the efficacy, with regards to post-operative pain management, between LPB and QLB following a DAA total hip arthroplasty.