Local Infiltration Anesthesia in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a cost-effective solution for osteoarthritis, but it is often associated with postoperative pain that hinders early mobilization and rehabilitation. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) has emerged as a potential strategy to reduce pain and speed recovery in THA patients. However, the efficacy of LIA in THA remains controversial, with conflicting evidence regarding its impact on pain management, length of hospital stays, and other outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LIA in pain management after THA. Methods: A blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in 108 patients undergoing THA at a single center. Patients were randomized to receive either LIA or non-LIA during surgery according to an accepted protocol. Surgical procedures were standardized, and outcomes including pain, blood loss, length of hospital stay, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results: No significant differences were observed between the LIA group and the control group in pain scores at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively, blood loss, length of hospital stay, or functional outcomes at 3 and 6 months. Patient satisfaction was similar between groups. There were no major complications. Conclusions: The use of LIA did not improve pain management, hospital stay, blood loss, functional outcomes at 3 and 6 months postoperatively or patient satisfaction at 3 and 12 months after primary THA. (c) 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).