Overview
The quadratus lumborum (QL) block is a fascial plane block that has been described to provide analgesia from T7-L3 dermatomes. The investigators aim to evaluate the efficacy of QL blocks in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Description
Investigators will enroll subjects planned for primary THA and allocate them into receiving a QL block with either saline or ropivacaine. Primary outcome will be pain scores over the first 48 hours after surgery.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult subjects undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty
Exclusion Criteria:
- patients age < 18,
- documented allergy to local anesthetic
- presence of peripheral neuropathy
- patients with current long term opioid use defined as receiving an opioid on most days in a 90 day period
- patients with a contraindication to spinal and regional anesthesia such as coagulopathy or infection at the site of the regional technique.