Comparison of Ultrasound Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block Versus Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (SIFICB) in Paediatric Patients Undergoing Hip Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial is a prospective, doubleblind, randomised controlled study conducted by Dr. Rakesh Kumar at PGIMER, Chandigarh. The study is scheduled from March 2025 to May 2026 and will include 60 pediatric patients aged 18 months to 12 years, classified as ASA physical status I or II, who are scheduled for elective hip surgery. The primary aim of the study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of PENG block and SIFICB by evaluating postoperative pain scores using the FLACC or VAS scale at 24 hours. Secondary objectives include assessing intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, duration of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), total 24 hour analgesic use, functional recovery, and complications related to the block procedures.

All patients will undergo general anesthesia and receive either a PENG block or SIFICB using ultrasound guidance with 0.2% ropivacaine (0.4 ml/kg, maximum 2 mg/kg). Pain will be assessed at multiple intervals using FLACC scores for children under 7 and VAS scores for older children. Rescue analgesia with fentanyl, acetaminophen, or ketorolac will be administered as needed. Intraoperative hemodynamics and block effectiveness will also be monitored. Randomization will be achieved through computer-generated numbers and allocation concealment with sealed envelopes. Blinding will be maintained for the anaesthetist assessing outcomes and the surgical team.