Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if a continuous nerve block, specifically an Adductor Canal Block, provides better pain relief after knee replacement surgery compared to a single injection. Patients will receive either a one-time nerve block or an ongoing nerve block for five days. The study will monitor pain levels, painkiller use, and progress in physical therapy for a week after surgery. Individuals planning a knee replacement and not regular opioid users might be suitable for this trial. As a Phase 4 trial, this research involves an FDA-approved treatment and seeks to understand its benefits for more patients, offering participants a chance to contribute to improving post-surgery pain management.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you use opioids or tramadol daily in amounts greater than 20 mg of oxycodone equivalents for more than 4 weeks, you cannot participate.
What is the safety track record for the adductor canal block treatments?
Research has shown that the continuous adductor canal block, used after knee replacement surgery, is generally well-tolerated. One study found no major side effects when this method was used, even without ultrasound guidance, suggesting it is quite safe. Additionally, this continuous nerve block has been linked to better pain relief and faster recovery compared to other methods.
Both the continuous and single injection adductor canal blocks use ropivacaine, a local pain reliever. Studies have demonstrated that treatments using ropivacaine effectively reduce pain without significant side effects.
Overall, both approaches have been used safely in clinical settings, with no major safety concerns reported.12345Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?
Researchers are excited about the adductor canal block treatments for postoperative pain because they offer a potentially more effective and sustained pain relief method compared to traditional pain management techniques. Unlike standard postoperative care, which often involves oral pain medications like opioids, the single injection adductor canal block uses ropivacaine to target nerves directly, reducing the need for systemic drugs and their side effects. The continuous adductor canal block goes a step further by providing a prolonged, 5-day infusion of ropivacaine, which may offer consistent pain control and enhance recovery by minimizing pain over an extended period. These treatments aim to provide more localized and sustained pain relief, potentially improving patient comfort and reducing reliance on conventional oral medications.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for postoperative pain?
Studies have shown that the adductor canal block effectively manages pain after knee surgery. In this trial, participants will receive either a single injection adductor canal block or a continuous adductor canal block. The single injection method can relieve pain, but patients may still experience varying pain levels, with some reporting severe discomfort. Research suggests that the continuous adductor canal block, which delivers a steady flow of medication, might control pain more effectively. This method has been associated with lower pain levels and reduced need for additional pain medication. Both treatments use ropivacaine, a local anesthetic, to help manage post-surgery pain.36789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 50 kg who are having their first knee replacement surgery and plan to receive a single-injection nerve block. It's not suitable for those with conditions that exclude them from the study, which aren't specified here.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Preoperative
Participants receive either a single injection or a continuous adductor canal block with ropivacaine
Postoperative Treatment
Participants are monitored for pain, opioid consumption, and physical therapy milestones from postoperative day 0 to 7
Follow-up
Participants are assessed for pain scores, opioid consumption, and physical and emotional functioning at 30 days postoperatively
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Adductor Canal Block
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Diego
Lead Sponsor