Simplified Pain Questionnaire for ACL Surgery
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if a simple pain scale influences opioid medication use after ACL surgery. Patients will use either a regular 10-point pain scale (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, NPRS) or a simpler one (Binary pain questionnaire) that asks if their pain is tolerable. The trial focuses on individuals undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery at Stanford Sports Medicine Redwood City who have not had previous surgery on the same knee. Participants should not have allergies to opioids or receive additional pain care beyond standard treatment. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to research that could enhance pain management strategies for future patients.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that these pain assessment methods are safe for patients undergoing ACL surgery?
Research shows that a simple pain questionnaire, where patients describe their pain as either "tolerable" or "intolerable," can safely help manage pain after ACL surgery. Studies indicate that patients find this method easy to use.
No reports have directly linked problems to this type of pain scale. Designed to reduce opioid use, it simplifies how patients express their pain levels. This approach has been used successfully in other situations without major safety concerns.
In summary, the binary pain questionnaire appears to be a safe and easy tool for managing pain after surgery.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a new way to assess pain after ACL surgery, which could simplify how patients report their discomfort. Unlike the standard 10-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale, which requires patients to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10, the binary pain questionnaire simplifies the process by asking patients whether their pain is tolerable or intolerable. This approach could reduce confusion and make it easier for patients to communicate their pain levels, potentially leading to more personalized and effective pain management strategies. By streamlining the way pain is assessed, this trial might pave the way for more efficient and patient-friendly post-operative care.
What evidence suggests that this trial's pain questionnaires could be effective for managing pain after ACL surgery?
Research has shown that a simple pain questionnaire might help reduce opioid use after ACL surgery. In this trial, participants will join different groups to evaluate post-operative pain. One group will use a simple pain scale, describing their pain as either "tolerable" or "intolerable." Another group will use a detailed 10-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Previous studies suggested that participants using the simple scale took fewer opioids than those using the detailed scale. This method could help patients manage their pain better, possibly reducing the need for pain medication.13467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Todd Alamin, MD
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who are having ACL knee surgery at Stanford Sports Medicine Redwood City. It's open to those getting either autograft or allograft, with or without meniscal repair. Pregnant women, people allergic to opioids, those with previous knee surgeries, or who've had advanced pain care like epidurals or nerve blocks can't join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Surgery and Immediate Postoperative Care
Participants undergo ACL reconstructive surgery and are monitored for immediate postoperative recovery
Pain Scale Assessment
Participants are assessed using either a binary pain scale or a 10-point NPRS pain scale to evaluate pain levels post-surgery
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Binary pain questionnaire
- Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor