Using cannabidiol to reduce opioid use after knee surgery
Official title: Cannabidiol for postoperative Opioid Reduction in primary total Knee arthroplasty – a randomized, 2x2 factorial, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (The CORK trial)
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10930869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether CBD can help manage pain after knee surgery instead of using opioids, and it's for people who are having total knee replacements and want to explore safer pain relief options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,194,710 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AR083132-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults scheduled for total knee arthroplasty who are seeking effective pain management solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing knee surgery or those with contraindications to CBD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative to opioids for managing pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study will involve a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants will receive either CBD or a placebo following their surgery. By comparing pain levels and opioid consumption between the two groups, the research aims to determine if CBD can effectively reduce the need for opioids and their associated side effects. This approach is particularly relevant given the high incidence of opioid-related complications in postoperative patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer pain management option for patients undergoing knee surgery, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using cannabinoids for pain management, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although rigorous clinical trials specifically for postoperative pain management with CBD are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brummett, Chad M — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Brummett, Chad M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How bone density and joint loads affect implant migration after knee replacement
A knee replacement project explores how bone density and how the knee is loaded relate to early implant movement that could lead to loosening.
-
Cannabidiol to reduce opioid use after knee replacement surgery
A clinical trial tests whether CBD can help lower opioid needs after knee replacement without extra side effects.
-
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation after knee replacement
This project tests whether using electrical stimulation of the thigh muscles after knee replacement helps people recover strength and function faster.
-
Multimodal Pain Help After Knee Replacement
A new approach aims to reduce persistent pain after knee replacement by using a minimally invasive nerve-stimulation therapy along with standard care.
-
Cannabidiol (CBD) to reduce opioid use after knee replacement
This trial will see if taking cannabidiol (CBD) around the time of a knee replacement helps people use fewer opioid pain medicines after surgery.
-
Lowering oxidative stress around knee replacement to reduce long-term pain
This trial gives an antioxidant medicine around the time of knee replacement to help reduce long-term pain for people having total knee arthroplasty.
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.