Pain Management Methods for Clubfoot
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the most effective pain relief method for infants with clubfoot undergoing percutaneous tendoachilles lengthening, a minor surgery to lengthen the tendon at the back of the heel. It compares L.M.X.4 cream, which takes longer to work, with a quick-acting, needle-free injection system called the J-tip with Xylocaine. The main goal is to determine if the J-tip provides equal or better pain relief without additional side effects. Infants under six weeks old with untreated clubfoot visiting a specific clinic for this procedure may be eligible to participate. As a Phase 4 trial, this research aims to understand how an already FDA-approved treatment can benefit more patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What is the safety track record for these pain management methods?
Research has shown that the J-Tip needle-free injection system with Xylocaine, a numbing medicine, is well-tolerated. This system uses a quick burst of air to deliver the medicine under the skin. Studies have found it can control pain better than some creams, with few side effects reported.
L.M.X.4 cream is another option for numbing the skin. It is widely used and generally safe, though some people may experience minor skin redness or irritation.
Both treatments aim to relieve pain without major side effects. The J-Tip might work faster, while L.M.X.4 cream remains a well-known and trusted choice.12345Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?
Most treatments for clubfoot focus on surgical interventions and lengthy casting processes. However, researchers are excited about exploring pain management methods like the J-Tip with Xylocaine MPF and L.M.X.4 cream with saline injection. The J-Tip device offers a needle-free delivery of anesthetic, reducing the discomfort and anxiety often associated with injections. Additionally, using topical anesthetics like L.M.X.4 cream provides a non-invasive approach to pain relief. These methods have the potential to make treatment experiences less stressful and more comfortable for patients, especially children, compared to traditional surgical options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's pain management methods could be effective for clubfoot?
Research has shown that the J-Tip needle-free injection system can relieve pain more effectively than creams like L.M.X.4 for certain procedures. In this trial, one group of participants will receive the J-Tip with 0.25mL of 1% Xylocaine MPF. Studies have found this combination effectively controls pain for infants undergoing a procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon. The J-Tip provides rapid pain relief, working in just 1-2 minutes. Another group will receive L.M.X.4 cream with a J-Tip saline injection, which typically takes 30-60 minutes to take effect. The J-Tip delivers medication deeper into the skin, potentially enhancing its effectiveness. Overall, these findings suggest that J-Tip could be a faster and possibly more effective option for managing pain in this situation.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jeffrey Martus, MD
Principal Investigator
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for infants under 6 weeks old with idiopathic clubfoot who are getting in-clinic Achilles Tenotomy at Vanderbilt DOT 4 Clinic. It's not for those who've had previous clubfoot treatments, are older than 6 weeks at the start of casting, or have neuromuscular conditions like spina bifida.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either L.M.X.4 Cream or J-Tip Xylocaine MPF injection for pain management during in-office percutaneous TAL
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- In-Office Procedure
- Needle-Free Injection System
- Pain Management
- Percutaneous Tendoachilles Lengthening
- Topical Anesthetic Cream
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor