Understanding how pain sensitivity and genetics affect opioid use after knee surgery
Official title: Variation in Home Opioid Consumption after Total Knee Replacement: Investigating the Role of Pain Sensitivity and Gene Expression
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10892842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some people need more pain medication than others after knee surgery, focusing on how their pain sensitivity and genetics might play a role, so we can better manage pain for everyone after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 18, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,596 |
| NIH project number | 5K23NR020512-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled for total knee replacement surgery who may experience varying levels of postoperative pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing knee surgery or those with contraindications for opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why some patients use more opioids than others after total knee replacement surgery. It aims to identify the role of pain sensitivity and genetic factors in determining opioid consumption. By examining these biological variables alongside psychological and clinical data, the study seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of postoperative pain management. Patients will undergo quantitative sensory testing to measure their pain sensitivity, which may help predict their opioid needs after surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized pain management strategies, reducing the risk of prolonged opioid use after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using pain sensitivity and genetic factors to predict opioid use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schirle, Lori — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Schirle, Lori
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Self-powered knee implant load sensors to monitor total knee replacements
A tiny, self-powered sensor system is being developed to monitor the loads on a total knee replacement so doctors can keep an eye on implant health from afar.
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Remote-based physical activity program for adults after total knee replacement
A nationwide study tests a scalable, online program to help adults 12 months after knee replacement stay active and healthier without in-person visits.
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Self-powered knee implant that measures how your knee moves and bears weight inside the body
A new knee replacement implant will quietly power and transmit measurements of your knee’s movement and the forces across the joint during daily life.
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How neighborhood and social factors influence when people get knee replacement
This project looks at how neighborhood, healthcare access, and social circumstances affect when adults who need knee replacement actually receive surgery.
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Remote exercise program for people with knee replacements
Different online program features will be tried to help adults who had a total knee replacement become more active.
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Investigating how social factors affect the timing of total knee replacement surgery
This study looks at when people in the U.S. get knee replacement surgeries and how things like access to healthcare and living conditions affect that timing, so we can find ways to help more patients get the care they need when they need it.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.