Creating a system to help doctors use regional anesthesia for hip fracture pain without opioids

Development of a regional anesthesia guidance system to increase patient access to opioid-sparing analgesia for hip fracture pain

NIH-funded research Rivanna Medical, INC. · NIH-10927446

This study is working on a new ultrasound tool to help doctors give better pain relief to patients with hip fractures, making it easier for them to find the right spots to inject anesthesia and reducing the need for strong pain medications.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRivanna Medical, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10927446 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing an ultrasound-based guidance system to assist healthcare providers in administering regional anesthesia techniques for patients with hip fractures. By utilizing advanced 2D and 3D imaging algorithms, the system aims to simplify the process of identifying anatomical landmarks, thereby reducing the training required for medical staff. This approach seeks to enhance patient care by providing effective pain relief while minimizing the use of opioids, which can lead to adverse effects. The project addresses the urgent need for improved pain management solutions in emergency departments, particularly for the over 330,000 patients hospitalized annually for hip fractures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who are hospitalized due to hip fractures and require pain management.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have hip fractures or those who are not hospitalized may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve pain management for hip fracture patients while reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques can effectively reduce opioid use and improve patient outcomes, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.